While the entire nation joined together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence last week on the Fourth of July, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and its 190,000 members have been commemorating the milestone with planning and initiatives that began nearly 10 years ago with activities focusing on DAR’s mission of historical preservation, education and patriotism. 

“As we mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the DAR’s priority has been to support activities promoting the history of our country leading up to and throughout 2026,” said Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR President General. “Our DAR chapters across the country have delivered education programs, dedicated markers, supported veteran initiatives, sponsored celebrations, and shared the stories of their own Revolutionary War Patriots – all with the goal of helping local communities honor the sacrifices made 250 years ago in our fight for independence.”

Our initiative to place DAR America 250 Patriot Markers in every state has resulted in the placement of 485 markers at historic sites, parks, cemeteries, and battlefields throughout the country. Our mission is to ensure the men and women who secured our independence are honored for future generations.

The Grayson County Historical Commission, along with other donors, helped Preston Trail Chapter purchase the bronze DAR Patriot Marker, which reads: "Revolutionary War Patriots — this marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation, 1775 to 1783."

The Daughters of the American Revolution, a longtime champion of historic preservation, education and patriotism, is honored to place this marker in Pottsboro! The more than 950,000 women who have joined the nonprofit organization since its founding in 1890 have worked to preserve historic places, documents and artifacts; to foster an understanding of our nation’s past in schoolchildren, new citizens and everyday Americans; and to support the servicemembers and veterans who sacrificed to safeguard our freedoms.

Here in Pottsboro, Preston Trail Chapter has worked on community enrichment projects and initiatives for 15 years, since its founding in December 2011, such as: placing wreaths on veteran graves at Fairview Cemetery in Denison with Wreaths Across America, supporting veterans at Clyde Cosper in Bonham and Walker House in Denison, restoring historical markers at Preston Bend Cemetery in Pottsboro and providing support to teachers and students at Pottsboro Elementary School. Community participation at chapter events is welcomed and encouraged.

In the years to come, Preston Trail DAR Chapter looks forward to working with local organizations and community members to help the Texoma area continue to commemorate this momentous United States’ milestone of 250 years and many more!

The 250th anniversary of the United States also presents the perfect opportunity for interested women to honor their family members’ Revolutionary War service by joining the Daughters of the American Revolution. Documenting and reflecting upon an ancestor’s role in the fight for American independence will impart a deeper, more personal level of significance to the upcoming celebration. If you are interested in learning more about your family history but are not an expert in genealogical research, don’t worry! Local DAR members can help prospective members research their family history. 

Through DAR membership, women can not only strengthen their bond with their ancestors, but also forge new connections to fellow DAR members. The benefits of belonging to a community of women who express pride and gratitude for their shared heritage through a commitment to meaningful public service are limited only by members’ boundless imaginations.

To learn more about DAR membership and upcoming events visit our website txdar.org/preston-trail-chapter-nsdar or public Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PrestonTrailNSDARPottsboroTX. Membership inquiries and other questions may be directed to Amanda Bauman Ewton, prestontrailnsdar@gmail.com or 903-820-8991.

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Daughters of the American Revolution

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 125 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.

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