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 deaths of the following:
Gina Swets Moore, on February 24, 2026. Mrs. Moore was a member of the Mount Rosa Chapter, Littleton, Colorado. She served as Colorado State Vice Regent 2021–2023 and Colorado State Regent July 2023.
Karon Kading Jarrard, on April 26, 2026. Mrs. Jarrard was a member of the Letitia Coxe Shelby Chapter, La Mesa, California. She served as California State Vice Regent 2008–2010, California State Regent 2010–2012, and Corresponding Secretary General 2013–2016.
OFFICE OF THE ORGANIZING SECRETARY GENERAL
Marguerite Hogan Fritsch
Since the beginning of the Storage Administration, we have illuminated the legacy of our DAR members. It has been a privilege to serve with dedication and purpose, supporting the mission of our Society and contributing to the success of this administration.
As of January 1, 2026, our organization proudly comprises 2,709 chapters with a total of 187,353 active members, including more than 182,000 regular members and more than 4,800 Members-At-Large (MAL). This is a net gain in membership for 2025! This office has fulfilled over 14,000 tenure certificates. >>>
OFFICE OF THE CURATOR GENERAL
Renee Pope Pace
It was such a pleasure during Congress to see the DAR Museum full of Daughters participating in the two exceptional exhibitions recognizing our nation’s 250th anniversary! Developed by Registrar and Assistant Curator Carrie Blough and situated in the Main Gallery, “Revolution in Their Words” interprets the nation’s founding through the voices of individuals who lived through this pivotal period. The second exhibit, “Preserving Patriotism: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy at DAR,” showcases the signatures of all 56 Signers of the Declaration from the National Society’s Americana Collection. This exhibit was curated by Museum Director and Chief Curator Jennifer Johnson. >>>
OFFICE OF THE REPORTER GENERAL
Adele Ellisor Lancaster
So much work to support our Society and promote the service of chapters and states in recognizing others outside our organization goes on behind the scenes in the Office of the Reporter General. Year-round, staff member Valerie Holmes prepares certificates for the Conservation, Historic Preservation, and Americanism committees, as well as presentations of the DAR Medal of Honor and Founders Medals. The annual Junior American Citizens (JAC) Committee certificates, medals, and ribbons are provided to states in early May so they can be presented to students before the end of the school year. Holmes also fields questions regarding ROTC, helping units connect with the appropriate chapters. >>>
Submissions with news and updates from the executive officers will be provided here each issue of The Daughters' Portico.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
