HISTORY
Albemarle Chapter Historic Preservation
The Albemarle Chapter participates in activities for
historic preservation, which is one of the main purposes of the National
Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
On March 16th each year, Albemarle Chapter participates in
the wreath laying ceremony at James Madison's grave site at his home Montpelier in
Orange, Virginia. Mr. Madison was the father of
the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights, and fourth President of
the United States, and his wife, Dolley Madison, was the first "First Lady" of
America.
On April 13, the chapter participates in the wreath
laying ceremony at Thomas Jefferson's grave at Monticello in
Charlottesville, Virginia. Monticello was the home and autobiographical
masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson where he designed and built his home and
gardens for more than forty years. Jefferson was author of the Declaration
of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third
President of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia.
These ceremonies are attended by many dignitaries and
other local societies.
On July 4th each year, the Albemarle Chapter NSDAR
assists in the naturalization ceremonies at Monticello where people who have
been citizens of other countries take the Oath of Allegiance to complete the
process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Albemarle Chapter provides flags and
flag care brochures to the new American citizens.
Historical Markers
Albemarle Chapter DAR has erected the following historical
markers in Virginia:
1924
Boulder placed at "Locust Hill," birthplace of Meriwether Lewis
1924
Boulder placed at "Buena Vista," birthplace of George Rogers Clark
1928
Marker placed on grave of William Lewis, father of Meriwether Lewis,
at "Cloverfields," near Keswick
1930
Roadside marker placed at entrance to Captain Joshua Fry's home,
oldest house in Albemarle County (since destroyed)
1932
Contribution toward bronze tablet to be placed on the corner of the
Nelson House in Yorktown
1932
Marker given for a black walnut tree sent from Monticello and planted
in the National Forest (since destroyed)
1938
Tablet inscribed by the Albemarle Chapter and placed in the wall
above the front door at the restoration of the Albemarle County Courthouse
1939
"Jubilee" project: Marking of a Real Daughter's
grave and graves of two Revolutionary soldiers
1940
Marker placed on Real Daughter's grave, Mrs. Elizabeth Clark
Thompkins, Honorary Albemarle Chapter member
1940
Marker placed on grave of Robert Rives at Oakwood Cemetery, Nelson
County
1941
Marker placed on grave of Nicholas Lewis at Riverview Cemetery,
Charlottesville
1942
Marker placed on grave of John Walker, Revolutionary soldier at
"Belvoir," Cismont
1964
Replacement of marker at "Viewmont," site of home of Captain Joshua
Fry
1967
Marker placed at "The Farm," home of Colonel Nicholas Lewis, uncle of
Meriwether Lewis
1971
Marker placed at Beckett's Ridge between White Hall and Crozet, on
the grave of Susannah Beckett, wife of Revolutionary soldier Humphrey
Beckett.
1974
Relocation and re-dedication of stone marker at the grave of Nicholas
Lewis, Riverview Cemetery, in cooperation with the local Bicentennial
Commission
1981
Marker placed at the grave of Captain Benjamin Harris in family
cemetery, Albemarle County, at Junction of routes 6 and 717
2008 Marker placed at Brown's Cove, home of the ten Revolutionary soldiers of the Brown Family.
DAR
Albemarle Chapter has erected many historical plaques and markers in two counties in Virginia. Examples below include the Albemarle Courthouse plaque that was inscribed by DAR in 1938. The Joshua Fry plaque honors an early surveyor and mapmaker, and friend of the Jefferson family who built his home, Viewmont, in Albemarle County.
We Remember Our History
At various times of the year and during special events, Albemarle chapter lays wreaths in remembrance of people who contributed positively to and served our country, including former presidents and veterans.
The American Flag was Adopted in 1777
The 50 stars on the American flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America. The 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, becoming the first states in the Union - including Virginia. Nicknames for the flag include the "Stars and Stripes," "Old Glory," "The Red, White and Blue," and "The Star-Spangled Banner."
DAR publishes an informational Flag Code leaflet that describes the use and display of the American flag. DAR chapter members distribute American flags to new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, and provide Braille Flags to schools and institutions for the blind.
