White Plains Chapter, NSDAR
White Plains, New York
Recent Activities
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, is active within the local community and the State and National Societies,
participating in activities to advance the three objectives of the National Society:
historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
Celebrating the 258th Anniversary of George and Martha Washington
On January 28, 2017, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, attended the annual luncheon of the New York City Chapter, NSDAR, celebrating the 258th anniversary of George and Martha Washington's marriage. Chapter members listened to an address by NSDAR President General Ann Turner Dillon, mingled with members of other chapters from the New York area, and sampled a recreation of the cake Gen. and Mrs. Washington would have served to their guests on their wedding day. Above, chapter members are pictured with New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch and First Vice President General Denise Doring Van Buren.
Honoring the Service of Our Nation's Veterans
On Veterans Day, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, recognized our local veterans by joining with the City of White Plains for its annual ceremony held at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the White Plains Rural Cemetery. This year's event, organized by Mayor Tom Roach's Veterans Committee, honored retired City of White Plains Fire Lieutenant Sergeant Major Doug Withus, US Army Afghanistan, and US Army WW II Veteran Vincent R. Wadden. The chapter observed Veterans Day again, on November 19, 2016, by touring St. Paul's Church National Historic Site. The church was used as a field hospital for American, British, and Hessian armies during the Revolutionary War. Chapter members paid tribute to the Revolutionary War Patriots who are buried in the churchyard by laying a wreath on a memorial stone.
Welcoming New American Citizens
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, participates in naturalization ceremonies at the Westchester County Courthouse by presenting patriotic materials and American Flags to new American citizens. Chapter members, pictured above with Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni, welcomed 240 new citizens during the month of October.
Beautifying the Old Washington Oak Tree Garden
In October 2016, in honor of the founding of the NSDAR, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, brought their pruners, shovels, rakes, and gloves and cleaned up the overgrown Old Washington Oak Tree garden in North White Plains, New York. The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR has a long history with this garden; on October 28, 1921, the chapter dedicated a monument at the site of the Historic Old Oak Tree. The inscription on the stone reads, "Near the spot where the old historic white oak stood which was a "line" tree to the Indians and which sheltered Washington and his troops." Then, on March 20, 1928, the chapter placed an iron and bronze marker bearing an oak tree pointing to Washington's headquarters (visible in the upper left hand corner of the above picture).
On October 11, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR gathered to celebrate the chapter's gardening efforts and toast the founding of the NSDAR. The chapter was joined by Margaret Cunzio, Westchester County Legislator, 3rd District; Larry Liss, Manager of Saveway Cleaners; and Theresa Loberman and Joanne Henderson of
the Green Acres Garden Club.
Visiting a 19th Century Country Estate
On September 17, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, toured the Bartow-Pell Mansion in
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, a 19th century Greek Revival home built on an estate first purchased in 1654 from the Siwanoy Indians by Thomas Pell. After the estate left the hands of the Bartow-Pell family, it served as
a summer office for New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and the headquarters of
the International Garden Club. After the tour of the mansion, chapter members enjoyed afternoon tea
in the mansion’s “Orangery.”
Coming Together in the State Capital: 120th New York State Conference
From September 20-25, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, attended the 120th New York State Conference in Albany, the first State Conference under the leadership of New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch. During the Conference, chapter members served as Personal Pages, reconnected with friends from chapters around the state, and participated in business sessions, breakfasts, luncheons, and banquets.
At the annual Awards Luncheon, the Regent of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, was named the New York State 2016 Outstanding Chapter Regent. The chapter was also acknowledged for its success in growing chapter membership.
Greeting a New Administration: The 125th Continental Congress
From June 15–19, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, journeyed to Washington, D.C., to attend the 125th Continental Congress. Chapter members served as Congress Pages, attended the annual
New York State Luncheon (pictured above) and had the opportunity to attend the New York State Organization's
“Big Reveal” party where the newly-replaced, historically-accurate wallpaper (see below)
in the New York State Room at Memorial Continental Hall was unveiled.
The 125th Continental Congress also saw a transition from the administration of Lynn Forney Young to that of Ann Turner Dillon. Excitingly, the National Society set a world record in patriotism, as certified by the Guinness World Records, for collecting and sending 100,904 letters to active-duty service members.
Remembering Those Who Died in Service to America on Memorial Day
On May 30, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, joined City of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach and other city officials and local organizations to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who died in service to America. Due to a forecast of rain, the event was held in White Plains City Hall and featured several speakers and a solemn wreath ceremony.
Welcoming New York's State Regent to "Light the Way for Liberty's Legacy...Carpe Diem!"
On May 7, 2016, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, welcomed Martha Morris Crapser, New York State Regent, to Westchester for a Ladies' Spring Luncheon. Mrs. Crapser gave the luncheon's keynote address, recapping the achievements of her administration, including the restoration of the period wallpaper in the New York State Period Room in Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, D.C.
Several new chapter members had the honor of taking the oath of membership administered by Mrs. Crapser.
Supporting the Preservation of Our National Society's Historic Buildings
On April 27, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, joined President General Lynn Forney Young for high tea in Stamford, Conn. During the event, Mrs. Young spoke about the recent successes of the Guardian Trust Campaign and the preservation of the National Society's historic buildings in Washington, D.C.
Exploring New York's History with a Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
On April 22, 2016, members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, and guests braved the wind and drizzle for a walking tour of historic Lower Manhattan, including Trinity Church, where Alexander and Eliza Hamilton are buried, and Federal Hall, where George Washington took the oath of office as our first president.
The tour concluded with a luncheon at Fraunces Tavern, a Revolutionary-era eatery and the site of
Gen. Washington's farewell to his Continental Army officers.
Celebrating DAR Friendship Across State Lines
In conjunction with the Putnam Hill Chapter, NSDAR of Greenwich, Conn., the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, co-hosted a Friendship Luncheon on March 30, 2016, featuring Carol Levison of the Greenwich Historical Society. Ms. Levison's presentation was given from the perspective of Sarah Scudder Isaacs Bush, one of the most prominent women in the history of Connecticut during the time of the American Revolution.
Learning About Recovery Efforts of Lost and Stolen National Treasures
On March 19, 2016, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, hosted Mitch Yockelson, Investigative Archivist with the National Archives' Archival Recovery Team, (and a full house of chapter members and guests) for an engrossing discussion about several high profile cases of theft of important historical items.
The chapter was also lucky to be joined by National Organizing Secretary General (and former New York State Regent) Denise Doring Van Buren, who swore in two new chapter members.
Reveling in the Season at Our Annual Holiday Potluck Dinner
On December 13, 2015, we toasted another outstanding year and engaged in some merry-making at our
holiday potluck dinner.
Laying Wreaths to Honor the Fallen
On December 12, 2015, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, participated in the Wreaths Across America ceremony organized by the Westchester Cadet Squadron 1, Civil Air Patrol, at St. Paul’s Church and National Historic Site in
Mt. Vernon, New York. As part of the ceremony, Dr. David Osborn, the site manager of St. Paul's Church,
recounted the life stories and achievements of each veteran before the wreaths were placed.
Touring St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
On November 14, 2015, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, toured St. Paul's Church and National Historic Site
in Mount Vernon, New York. The 18th-century church was used as a hospital during the Revolutionary War by both the British and Americans, and its grounds were the site of the infamous Election of 1733, which gave rise to the
trial of John Peter Zenger. The church's cemetery includes burial stones dating as far back as 1704.
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR laid a wreath on the grave of unknown Revolutionary War soldiers
commissioned by the DAR in 1910.
Honoring Our Veterans on Veterans' Day
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, participated in White Plains' Annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony held at the
Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the White Plains Rural Cemetery on November 11, 2015.
The event, organized by Mayor Tom Roach’s Veterans Committee, honored Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran
Kevin W. Fischer and featured recollections and insights by keynote speaker USMC Staff Sergeant Alex Guzman.
Serving as Pages at Connecticut's Fall Meeting
From October 23-24, 2015, several White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, members served as Pages at Connecticut's Fall State Meeting in Cromwell, Conn. In addition to catching up with Connecticut Daughters, the Pages had a chance to spend quality time with New York State Regent Martha Morris Crapser.
Commemorating the Battle of Pell's Point
Members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, laid a wreath to honor the Revolutionary War Soldiers at the October 17, 2015, Battle of Pell's Point commemoration at historic St. Paul's Church in Mount Vernon, New York. The battle took place on October 18, 1776, when a small American brigade, under the command of Col. John Glover of Massachusetts, delayed Gen. Howe's British and Hessian troops long enough to allow Gen. Washington to move his troops from Manhattan north to White Plains.
Celebrating 125 with a Day of Service
October 11, 2015, marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. To honor the spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence and to join together in a nationwide effort to illustrate our National Society's collective commitment to America, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, prepared a delicious three-course meal to feed 20 women residing at the Samaritan House, Lifting Up Westchester's ladies shelter.
"Lighting the Way for Liberty's Legacy" at New York State Conference 2015
From September 24-27, 2015, White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, members joined other New York Daughters at the
119th New York State Conference held in Tarrytown, New York. White Plains Chapter members enjoyed learning more about the DAR-supported schools at the DAR School Supper, honoring the achievements of our state's chapters at the Awards Luncheon, and wearing outfits inspired by our founders during the Conference Banquet on Saturday night. Several White Plains Chapter members also served as Pages.
Discovering "How the Loyalists Lived" at Philipse Manor Hall
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, observed Constitution Week 2015 with a pilgrimage to Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in Yonkers, New York, to see firsthand "how the Loyalists lived." Chapter members toured what was once the opulent estate of Frederick Philipse III, one of the most prominent Loyalists, who signed the "Declaration of Dependence" in 1776, remaining faithful to the British crown. The building also served as Yonkers' City Hall in the late 1800s.
Marking the Grave of "Private Yankee Doodle," Joseph Plumb Martin
On Sunday, September 13, 2015, a member of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, joined representatives of the Penobscot Expedition Chapter, NSDAR, in Searsport, Maine, and members of Jerry W. Dobbins American Legion Post 157 of Stockton Springs, Maine, with their commander, Langdon Chandler, in Sandy Point Cemetery. There they held a ceremony to remember Pvt. Joseph Plumb Martin of Prospect, Maine, marking his grave with a memorial plaque.
Born in 1760 in Becket, Massachusetts, Martin joined Connecticut state troops in June 1776 and served throughout the war. He fought in many familiar battles during the Revolution, including the Battle of White Plains. Pvt. Martin spent time at Valley Forge during the harsh winter and witnessed John Andre being escorted to his execution.
Among other life accomplishments, Martin wrote a book based on his diaries from the war, recently republished with the title “Private Yankee Doodle.”
Taking Part in a DAR Tradition: The 124th Continental Congress
Members of the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, traveled to Washington, D.C., in June 2015 to take part in the 124th Continental Congress. Continental Congress is the DAR's annual national meeting that has taken place at DAR Constitution Hall since 1890. Each year during Continental Congress, national, state, and chapter DAR leaders gather for one week to reconnect with other Daughters, reflect on the past year, and plan for the year ahead.
At the 124th Continental Congress, White Plains Daughters attended business sessions, forums, evening formal events, and luncheons, including the New York State Luncheon hosted by New York State Regent Martha Morris Crapser (above). During this busy week, White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, members and other New York Daughters still found time to relax with Gen. Washington at Celebrate America! Night (below).
Sponsoring a Brick at the Pinesbridge Monument in Yorktown, New York
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, is proud to support the Pinesbridge Monument in Yorktown, New York, which commemorates the soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the Pines Bridge Pass over the Croton River during the Revolutionary War. These soldiers were part of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment under Colonel Christopher Greene, which was comprised of African Americans and Native Americas as well as European-American settlers. The monument is designed to reflect that diversity, and will be the first Revolutionary War memorial to depict all three races together in combat.
Visiting a Historic National Landmark Across the Hudson
On May 16, 2015, the White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, held its Annual Meeting at the historic '76 House in Tappan, New York. The '76 House is New York's oldest tavern and is the place where Maj. John Andre, a spy for the British and
accomplice of Benedict Arnold, was confined before he was executed in October 1780. During the Annual Meeting,
the chapter's new Executive Board for the 2015-2017 term was sworn in.
Hosting Our 2014 Annual Benefit
The White Plains Chapter, NSDAR, hosted its 2014 Annual Benefit on October 23, 2014, featuring a lecture by Dr. Jennifer Anderson, author of Mahogany: The Costs of Luxury in Early America. During her lecture, Dr. Anderson, who is an Assistant Professor of History at Stony Brook University, discussed the social and environmental history of the 18th century tropical timber trade “from the rainforest to the parlor.”
The chapter was also presented with a proclamation from the Office of the County Executive, Robert P. Astorino, by Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett to commemorate the day.
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Website last updated May 20, 2022.