Missouri 2021 is excited to announce that the Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) as the newest member of the Bicentennial Alliance. MSSDAR will offer a new and diverse audience who are passionate about sharing Missouri’s history and eager to make a difference for the future of the state. MSSDAR will play an important role in assisting the State Historical Society of Missouri and other Alliance members with Missouri Bicentennial celebrations.
“MSSDAR is thrilled to partner with Missouri 2021,” said Joan Magee, State Regent of MSSDAR. “ Since its founding in 1894, MSSDAR has had a long commitment in service to our great state. Arrow Rock State Historical Site (the Old Tavern) resulted from the DAR’s efforts to preserve the old tavern. Today, Missouri DAR owns and maintains Cold Water Cemetery, the oldest Protestant cemetery west of the Mississippi, located in Florissant, MO. Patriots who fought in our wars have been buried in Cold Water Cemetery—among them are heroes from not only the American Revolutionary War but every American War, including the War of 1812, WWI and WWII.”
MSSDAR participation in the Bicentennial will include identifying and documenting quality activities throughout the state such as events at the Madonna of the Trail, Cold Water Cemetery, Arrow Rock, and Rosyln Heights.
“Missouri Daughters have been marking historical trails and sites since the early 1900s as a way of preserving our rich Missouri history,” said Caroline Greene, MSSDAR State Historian. “The Madonna of the Trail monument, located in Lexington, MO, is one of twelve identical statues dedicated to pioneer women in the United States, marking the historic National Old Trails Road from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California.”
Additionally, the organization provides annual education scholarships, recognizes outstanding Missouri teachers and local high school ROTC chapters, supports local veterans’ homes, as well as cleans and marks historic trails.
“DAR’s commitment to preserving and celebrating history makes them an exceptional partner for this commemoration,” said Bicentennial Coordinator, Michael Sweeney.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. DAR members are committed to volunteer service having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world during the past three years. To learn more about the work of MSSDAR, visit www.MSSDAR.org or connect with DAR on social media on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube – @TodaysDAR.
The Bicentennial Alliance is a coalition of statewide non-profit organizations and government agencies working together to develop and promote statewide projects commemorating the Missouri Bicentennial. Learn more about the Bicentennial Alliance and the bicentennial at https://missouri2021.org/bicentennial-alliance