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Work of the Society
Fort Roberdeau
On August 9, 2025, the state society placed a historic marker at Fort Roberdeau outside Altoona, Pa. The Fort was constructed in 1778 by Gen. Daniel Roberdeau to protect the local lead mining and smelting operations that provided ammunition to the Continental Army. The current historic site encompasses 230 acres, and is home to numerous historic reenactments including blacksmithing and farming demonstrations as well as planetarium and conservation programming throughout the year. We were joined by Fort Roberdeau Director Glenn Nelson who presented the history of the fort. Honorary Adam Holliday DAR Chapter Regent Michelle Shank gave greetings, as did Pa. State Representative Scott Barger and Colonial Dames State President, Courtney Cunningham. Members of the Adam Holliday DAR Chapter, fort staff and volunteers, as well as visitors to the fort that day attended the marker dedication and unveiling. After the ceremony, a reception was hosted by the society on the grounds with coffee, cold beverages, a traditional cheese presentation with crackers, a large sheet cake, and portable snacks as some participants had to return to volunteer duties. It was truly an honor to have four Honorary State Presidents, five current state board members, a Junior member, and four State Chairs in attendance to celebrate our history
Dorflinger Glass Factory Museum
On November 3, 2024, the John Hand Chapter of Pennsylvania hosted the historic marking of the Dorflinger Glass Factory Museum in White Mills, PA. Members were joined by State President Mrs. Kathleen Zinskie and multiple other state officers. Mr James Asselstine, founder/director/president of the museum was presented on the rich history of the glass factory, which operated from 1865-1921, and provided White House tableware to multiple administrations from Presidents Lincoln to Wilson.
After the ceremony and presentation, all joined in unveiling the bronze marker which now proudly hangs next to the museum's front door.
FROM IDEA TO REALITY: THE HONORING OF BETSY ROSS
Penn's Grant Chapter CDXVIIC Had a Charter Day Luncheon on May 24, 2023
The Tony Morris talked about settlers in Philadelphia area. He showed us pictures of what the cave houses would have looked like that people lived in the 1600's & 1700's in America. They built a wood entrance to the cave that held a fireplace because a fire in the cave was a bad idea. Approximately 35% of the immigrants lived in caves the first few years before affording better housing. He talked about the starving times in Philadelphia area because people had to adjust to hunting for food in the bitter winters. He told a story about many families having to eat their pets to survive but this one family discussed if the husband was unsuccessful at finding food that they would have to eat their cat that evening. As the story goes, he got home without finding anything so they looked for the cat, but he was gone. Later in the evening the cat appeared with a rabbit in his mouth for their dinner. There is a small seat at the oldest church in Philadelphia in honor of the cat. Apparently, you can go see it.
Charlotte Mark talked about Jamestown. She had a display of books to share on Jamestown and 17th Century topics.
