NEWS FROM DAR HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN GENERAL
Mernie Sams Crane
NECROLOGY REPORT
The Office of the Chaplain General is entrusted with reporting the deaths of members who have served on the National Board of Management. The National Society regrets to report the death of the following:
Janice Doherty Nelson, on February 15, 2026. Mrs. Nelson was a member of the Fort Vancouver Chapter, Vancouver, Washington. She served as Washington State Vice Regent 2008–2010 and Washington State Regent 2010–2012.
OFFICE OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY GENERAL
Colleen Rafferty Joyce
INTRODUCING THE NSDAR STYLE GUIDE!
Over the years, multiple style guides have been created and used across the National Society, leading to confusion and inconsistencies in our written communications. As we begin a new era of engagement with The Daughters’ Portico, this is the perfect time to update the NSDAR Style Guide to ensure clarity, consistency, and cohesion in all our written materials. >>>
OFFICE OF THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY GENERAL
Cecile Sliger Wimberley
As executive liaison to the DAR Magazine Committee, it is a pleasure to present the first issue of The Daughters’ Portico. Through the tireless efforts of National Chair Kate Johanns and her committee members, along with DAR staff Edith Rianzares, Desiree Medina, and Kasonya Blevins, we are thrilled to finally introduce this new digital resource to all members of our organization. Along with our publication partners at Monarch Media and Consulting, Inc., we hope you enjoy reading articles about our members and our initiatives, as well as our fun, engaging pieces that reflect the same high-quality editorial content our members grew to love in American Spirit. Grab a cup of coffee, sit on your porch, and settle in to enjoy!
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL
Marcy Carter-Lovick
All Daughters can stay up to date on application review dates for new and supplemental DAR applications using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Each Monday, review dates are updated for new and supplemental applications on three genealogy-related communities of the Daughters Online Community (DOC): Chapter Registrars, Lineage Research, and Volunteer Genealogists. (If you haven’t downloaded the DOC app for your phone, now is a great time to do so!) >>>
OFFICE OF THE HISTORIAN GENERAL
Cindy Staifer Addison
It is very exciting to be the first Historian General to write an article for the first issue of The Daughters’ Portico. Our America 250! celebration will be in full swing. Happy Birthday, America!
On April 18, before the Patti LaBelle concert, President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage presented $400,500 in Vivian’s Outreach to Women (VOW) grants to 10 organizations dedicated to helping homeless women veterans. Visit the DAR Service for Veterans Committee webpage for instructions and forms for this year’s entry information. >>>
OFFICE OF THE CURATOR GENERAL
Anne Ruta
Collections Manager,
DAR Museum
Because of the long period during which the DAR Museum has collected American decorative arts, many objects in the permanent collection no longer meet current standards. These items are candidates for deaccessioning, the legal process of removing an object from the care of the museum. >>>
OFFICE OF THE REPORTER GENERAL
Adele Ellisor Lancaster
Certificates of appreciation and outstanding service reflect our legacy of service. Nearly 17,500 certificates were prepared and delivered to state regents during Continental Congress reflecting special recognition for nearly 7.5 million hours of service in 2025. This is the 10-year anniversary of recording our hours, netting 57,864,505 hours of service. Daughters are making a significant difference in their communities! Congratulations.
As many have noticed, the Founders Medals Nomination Form has been modified to more clearly outline the required elements and suggestions to strengthen nominations. By reading carefully and adhering to the instructions, the number of worthy candidates and successful nominations has increased!
More than 11,000 students seeking scholarship information entered the Scholarship Portal this past November, and more than 4,500 completed the process, each with hopes of receiving monetary support from DAR for their academic endeavors. More than 60 students received $416,000 from NSDAR scholarship funds and from individuals who have left a legacy of support for higher education. Have you read about the three new scholarships available this fall to six students, provided by David and Laura Miceli? See the interview with Paula Stolebarger, National Chair, DAR Scholarship Committee. >>>
Submissions with news and updates from the executive officers will be provided here each issue of The Daughters' Portico.
JULY/AUGUST 2026
