Austin Colony Chapter
Austin, Texas

Stephen F. Austin

About the Chapter

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 more than 100 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.

 

TEXAS CAPITOL BUILDING

 
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. 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.

If you are interested in DAR membership in our chapter, email us because we'd love to hear from you.