Celebrating 70 Years!

Captain Jacob Van Meter Chapter NSDAR celebrated 70 years January 10, 2017 with a group picture in the Daughters Newsletter, an exhibit of chapter memorabilia at the Hardin County History Museum, and the launching of a new website. 

The chapter has grown from the 18 charter members in 1947 to 67 members ranging in age from 23 to 93.  The chapter is very proud of its 7 junior members.

In promoting the goals of DAR of historic preservation, education and patriotism, our chapter members have donated over 1000 hours of community service volunteering in schools, hospitals, churches, veterans’ centers, genealogy libraries and history museums in 2017.  The Chapter has contributed to Hindman Settlement School Dyslexia Program, Hardin County’s One Room School House Summitt I Restoration Project, American Indian Youth Summer Camp, Bacone College, and donated books to “Larue County Reads”, Judge Addington’s Kids Room, Allegro Memory Unit, Memory Café, and Sunrise Manor. Vietnam veterans were recognized with certificate and commemorative pin at our November meeting. 

The chapter recognized local students with three ROTC awards, three DAR Good Citizen awards, and an American History Essay Contest award. 

CJVM Chapter cohosted an event with Elizabethtown Community and Technical School to celebrate Kentucky’s 225th Anniversary of becoming the 15th state with the exhibit of the original 1792 Constitution on June 16.  Thanks to the Kentucky Historical Society for bringing the Constitution and Journal of Constitutional Convention to Hardin County.

Members toured Duncan Tavern, our State DAR Headquarters, and visited Cane Ridge Meeting House in the spring.  History programs include Eddie Price – 1801Cane Ridge Revival and Gary Kempf – Portrayal of Simon Kenton.  

2017 has been an exciting year for member achievement.  Two members had American Heritage Committee Contest 1st Place winning entries exhibited at the Continental Congress in Washington DC June 27-30.  Three members were featured in a PowerPoint presentation at the American Heritage Awards Ceremony in Washington DC June 27.  The artist and the art were featured.  Of Kentucky’s seven winners, four were from Captain Jacob Van Meter.  Congratulations to Nancy Raine, Beverly Heath, and Linda King.

Sue Ballard was recognized as Women of the Arts Recognition Award in Literature and Drama for her historic novel, “My Blessed, Wretched Life – The Rebecca Boone Story”.  An exhibit at Continental Congress featured her name and book cover.

The chapter won Outstanding State Newsletter and 1st place for number of books read and most members participating in the State Reading Contest for chapters with 50-100 members.  Amanda Prestia was named Outstanding State VIS.  The chapter was recognized for Constitution Week Promotion.