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 Erects Historical Plaques

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.

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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.