Austin Colony Chapter was named in honor of
the colonists who came to Texas with Stephen
F. Austin in the 1820s, while Texas was
still part of Mexico. The chapter was
organized April 22, 1952, at the home of
Mrs. Kelly McAdams. Mrs. Paralee Parrish,
the Organizing Regent, presided. The first
woman Governor of Texas, Mrs. Miriam A.
Ferguson, was among the 32 organizing
members. All members added the first year
were classified as Charter Members.
Today, Austin Colony Chapter has about 111
members, including junior members and
associate members. The membership is
primarily drawn from Travis County and
Austin. It includes women who are prominent
in the volunteer community of Austin,
business and professional women, and retired
military.
The members' patriot ancestors represent
every one of the 13 colonies. They include
soldiers, women and men who gave aid to the
cause, and even one of the signers of the
Mecklenburg Declaration.
Chapter Activities
Austin Colony Chapter is active in Austin
area schools promoting DAR's American
Heritage essay contests and awarding Good
Citizens, Good Citizenship, and ROTC medals.
In addition, Austin Colony Chapter has a program of promoting
the appreciation of American history by
donating portraits of George Washington and
selected books to area schools. It works to
help Veterans at the VA Hospital in Temple,
participates in the annual Constitutional
Luncheon held each September during
Constitution Week, and supports DAR Schools
and the DAR American Indian Schools. Last
year the chapter successfully nominated an
Austin-area resident to DAR's highest honor:
The DAR Medal of Honor. It co-sponsored
the "Passing the Torch of Patriotism" event
at Camp Mabry Texas Military Forces Museum
held in February of 2001. The chapter also raised
funds to help pay for the World War II
Memorial to be built in Washington, D.C.
Meetings
Austin Colony Chapter meets generally on
the third Thursday of the Month, with
the exception of June, July, and August,
beginning at 10:30 am. The meetings
begin with a brief business meeting.
There is an interesting program, usually
on a history topic, and then an optional
lunch. Two times a year, in September
and February, the chapter meets on
Saturday with the other DAR area
chapters and the Patrick Henry Chapter
of the Sons of the American Revolution:
in September the signing of the U.S.
Constitution is commemorated, and in
February George Washington's Birthday is
celebrated.
If you are interested in attending a
meeting of the Austin Colony Chapter and
believe that you may have an ancestor
who aided the cause of the Revolution,
please e-mail the chapter by clicking
here. We have an active Lineage
Research Committee that can help you
research your links to your ancestor.
Why Join DAR?
Women join DAR for many reasons. It
offers an opportunity to express
patriotism through connecting with a
Revolutionary War ancestor. It helps us
understand the importance of America's
proud history. It promotes service to
the community and the nation through
many types of volunteer activities. It
brings fellowship and new friendships.
DAR is truly a community.
