Regent Message

Hi! I'd like to welcome you to the Holland Patent Chapter web site. I am glad to see that you are interested in the DAR and the Holland Patent Chapter. My interest in the DAR, and my ancestor's role in securing the freedoms we all enjoy, started when I was just a little girl.  My mother, Norma Fitch Field, was a member of the DAR, and would show me various historical sites in and around Washington, D.C., including Constitution Hall. When I was a little girl summering with my Grandmother, Matie Fitch,  in Boonville, New York, I took interest in my mother's and my Aunt Emma's membership in the DAR.  When I moved to upstate New York in 1984, my cousin and I would go for rides in the country and stop at various cemeteries, looking for tombstones of relatives.  I was intrigued by the headstone of Nathanial Fitch, who had fought in the most important war, the war that made America an independent country.  As I joined the Historical Society, it seemed natural that I also join the DAR.  I have brought my daughters and my grandchildren to the reenactments and grave marking ceremonies.  The grandchildren were impressed that Nathanial Fitch lied about his age and ran off to join the war to fight for his country at age 16.  They were relieved to learn that our ancestor did not die in the war, but lived to be a grandfather, and died at the ripe old age of 77.

I was warmly welcomed into the society  in 1991, the Centennial year of DAR, and quickly became active in the Chapter's work and in various leadership roles. I served as Regent of the Holland Patent Chapter from 1992-1995.  I have met and learned from women of all walks of life across the country. You can too. The new friendships and fellowship with other "Daughters" of all ages and experiences is priceless.

Now, as Chapter Regent for the 2004-2007 term, I want to encourage every eligible woman to join. We will help you prove your lineage, if necessary.  You can become involved with the various DAR programs and activities as you want.  My original goal in joining was to document my family genealogy and prove my heritage. That can be your initial goal too.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Holland Patent Chapter, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to share more with you about the DAR and the Holland Patent Chapter in particular.

Regent, Holland Patent Chapter