Historical Preservation

Cemetery Cleanup – Manatee Burying Grounds

Sarah Meaker, Holly Wilson and Pru Dewey spent a few hours cleaning at the Manatee Burying Grounds.  

                                                      

November -Native American Month

Manatee Chapter members participated in a guided tour of the Bishop Museum to learn more about the Tocobaga Indian tribe located here in Tampa Bay.

L-R: Suzanne Cochran, Cheryl Honett, Julie Moore, Fran Kramer, Judy Mery, BJ Mangrum, Pru Dewey, Marlene Frasca, Gail Riggs, Mary Smith, Regent Kathy Doddridge, Robin Schoch, Madeline Rementer and Susan Well

We thoroughly enjoyed hearing more about our namesakes, manatees Doscal and Felicia.  Once their Rehabilitation is complete they will be erased back in the wild.

Manatee Historical Village

Through our close partnership with the Manatee Historical Village we have worked with them to repair the steeple of the old church.

Additionally, we have participated in several of their programs including “Her story: Women in History and Spirit Voices”.

The 1850 Manatee Village Burying Grounds is undergoing a major clean-up of the headstones.  

Several members have been trained on the proper techniques and are working with the county to insure these grave markers will remain forever. 

Old Florida Christmas

We participate in the annual Old Florida Christmas sharing information about DAR as well as providing colonial toys & holiday decorations for sale to benefit our student awards –JOTC, DAR good Citizens for the high schools and th American History Essay contest for Elementary and middle schools.

Genealogy Work Shops

Beginning in 2014, our chapter has hosted our yearly Genealogy Workshop for women interested in joining the DAR.  

The workshop provides information about the DAR, general genealogical tips and, with the help of participants’ lineage, identifies a Revolutionary War patriot.        Presenters L-R: Sandy Boyes, Registrar Kathy Doddridge, Regent Margaret Smelser & Past Regent Sharon Spry

 2018 Constitution Week Luncheon 

Our Chapter hosted the luncheon themed,  “Our U.S. Constitution – The Words We Live By”

Saraman SAR Color Guard

Linda Prindle & Regent Margaret Smelser

Words of the Constitution

Manatee Chapter honors Dr. Gail Kettlewell – Women in American History Award 2017

Manatee Chapter Genealogy Workshop January 28, 2017

This year Saramana SAR asked to join us for our third annual Genealogy Workshop. Finding new members is vital for both Saramana SAR and Manatee Chapter DAR.  Dick Mahaffey, Past President, Preston Adams, Treasurer and Doug Erb, Vice President joined 20 attendees for the event. Each attendee received a packet with his/her identified Patriot, worksheets, reference materials along with the presentation so they could follow along with the program. During the two breaks Manatee Chapter Officers and members interacted with the attendees addressing questions and giving encouragement. 

Presenters were (left to right) Cindy Russell, Vice Regent; Sharon Spry, Regent;Kathy Doddridge; Registrar & Tina Roark; Recording Secretary

2017 History Essay Award Winners – Thank you Saint Joseph’s Catholic School!

 

 

 Woman In History Award Winners 

Cathy Slusser, Director of Historical Resources for the Clerk of the Court, Manatee County, was presented with the Women in History Award for her continuing excellence in preserving and promoting

the vast historical resources of the county.

Overseeing the Historical Records Library, Manatee Historical Village Park, Florida Maritime Museum, The Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee Agricultural Museum is only part of her job.

She is the author of the trilogy, From a Heavenly Land, based on the Atzeroth family of Terra Ceia.

Our chapter honored two of our own Manatee Daughters: Carolyn Chamberlain and Janet Entwistle, with the “Women in History Award.”

Constitution Week Celebration Luncheon- 2013

Manatee Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) hosted the annual Constitution Week Luncheon at the Bradenton Yacht Club on Saturday, September 14, 2013. Attendees were members/guests of the five NSDAR chapters located in Sarasota and Manatee counties including: Allapatah, Myakka, Osceola, Sara De Soto and Manatee and the Saramana Sons of the American Revolution Chapter (SAR). Setting the tone for the day, the Saramana SAR Color Guard posted the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance along with a robust singing of the Star Spangled Banner. One of the highlights of the day was the vocal performance by Manatee Chapter’s Margaret Smelser singing “The American Anthem”. As anticipated, there were few dry eyes in the room! We were honored to have our own Manatee Chapter daughter, Linda Gallen introduce her son, County Commissioner Michael Gallen as our guest speaker. Having taught government at Lakewood Ranch High School and an attorney, Michael presented a very interesting overview of the origin of our Bill of Rights and the evolution of our Constitution as a living and breathing document. He provided clarity and insight into why the 14th Amendment is critical to the freedoms we as citizens are guaranteed.