Today's DAR
Our Headquarters is absolutely bustling with energy as we get closer to Opening Night. The excitement is palpable, and the joy in being together again has brought a new level of energy to our annual conference. Be sure to make the most of your time this week: check the Congress schedule or the Congress App to find out where and when events are taking place. And don’t forget to snap your selfie near our “Welcome Home” banners on D Street.
There are lots of interesting events scheduled for today. DAR Library Director Dr. Stephanie Tuszynski will give you an insider’s glimpse into the renowned DAR Library at 10 a.m. in the O’Byrne Gallery. You can also choose to attend a Flag Raising ceremony on the 17th Street flagpole in front of Memorial Continental Hall at the same time. The genealogists in attendance won’t want to miss a special program, “News You Can Use – ‘Sunrays’ from the Office of the Registrar General,” this afternoon in the O’Byrne Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m. It will feature speakers covering unique genealogy topics.
I am pleased to invite you to the unveiling of the official plaque of our administration at 11:00 a.m. in the hallway outside of the Registrar General’s Office. Then, we will gather in the Kansas Chapel to unveil my official portrait. I am deeply grateful to the New York Daughters for their donation of the latter – they have been my supporters and friends for more than 30 years, and I feel so blessed to have had their confidence.
Next up for me will be the Gift Acceptance Ceremony organized by the Development team. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet with – and thank – those who have donated physical objects to the Society. So much of our collection and our headquarters depends upon generous donors like these.
I also want to remind you of all the wonderful shopping options that will be open throughout this week for all your DAR and Congress souvenir needs. The PG Project Sales and Junior Shoppe will have tables in Constitution Hall and the JW Marriot. While you are in Constitution Hall, don't forget to visit the DAR Insignia Sales table too! Additionally, a wonderful array of vendors participating in the Congress Shops are located in the Texas Lone Star Lounge in the lower level of Constitution Hall. Finally, don't miss our beautifully renovated DAR Store on the lower level of the Administration Building. Remember your time at Congress with a souvenir!
I am so glad that you are here to enjoy all that this week has to offer. While it was difficult to transition our last two Congresses to a virtual format, it was even more difficult to come to our empty Hall during those weeks that should have been filled with laughter and joy but were instead dark and silent. The sound of your voices this week has been the sweetest gift to my heart – thank you, ladies, for coming home again.
