Monday, April 15, 2019

Garst Museum - 2019 Heritage Award Goes to DAR

Members of the Fort GreeneVille Daughters of the American Revolution and Dr. Clay Johnson
The Darke County Historical Society’s Heritage Award was created in 2004 to recognize distinguished citizens or organizations for their outstanding contributions or actions of unusual excellence that help connect people to Darke County’s past. Dr. Clay Johnson, CEO of the Garst Museum, notes, “For those familiar with the area, Darke County is rich in its history and traditions, and its significance touches so many in the community. The Darke County Historical Society (DCHS) recognizes this importance and feels its responsibility is to honor those that join in its mission in celebrating the county’s past.” The DCHS operates the Garst Museum according to its mission to collect, preserve, exhibit, study, and interpret materials relating to the history and culture of Darke County. This year’s Heritage Award goes to the Fort GreeneVille Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Fort GreeneVille DAR chapter was organized in January 1922. Over the years, the chapter has flourished and received high honors for its work in various areas that the DAR stands for. Honoring patriots of the Revolutionary War, the women’s service organization promotes historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Today, the chapter has 61 dedicated members that own the Studebaker Schoolhouse, the first brick school house erected in 1840 in Darke County. The school house was gifted to the DAR in 1934, and the chapter has maintained the grounds and school as a beautiful entrance to Greenville on St. Rt. 49.

The DAR is very active in the county searching for the gravesites of Revolutionary War veterans. Over 20 Revolutionary War patriot graves in Darke County have been identified with grave markers or rededicated since 2016 with more to come. The members donate their time and money to preserve veterans’ uniforms and memorabilia in the Veterans’ Building at the Darke County fairgrounds. They have encased 31 uniforms over the past two years. They help organize and participate in Veterans Day parades and activities. This past December, they participated in Wreaths Across America at the Greenville-Union Cemetery and placed approximately 300 wreaths on veterans’ graves. The chapter has donated countless genealogical and historical books to local libraries and presents historical programs at local schools.

Sustaining its legacy, the organization continues to accomplish its mission with such high integrity. It is with great appreciation that Garst Museum recognizes the members of the Fort GreeneVille Daughters of the American Revolution and honors its members with the 2019 Heritage Award for their dedication in preserving history, promoting education, and honoring patriots.

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