By Bonnie Briscoe, DAR member
SAFFORD – The Friends of the Library and the Gila Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will co-host this year’s program entitled “Honoring Our Constitution and Revolutionary Patriots”.
This lively event of historical interest will take place during Constitution Week on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Safford Library Annex on 814 S. Central Ave., directly behind the train depot. All are invited to attend; admission is free. Refreshments will be provided by a chapter of great cooks and The Rustic Barn Bakery.
DAR’s major mission is to remember the patriots who supported the cause for independence and gave us the freedom we experience today. DAR Chapter Librarian, Ruth Hernandez, with a passion for researching the truth behind our country’s history, will present an overview of the very risky business of being a spy during the American Revolutionary War.
She will share stories about members of the notorious Culper Spy Ring; smugglers, bandits, and privateers of Long Island Sound; and the horrific battles of New York and Long Island that almost destroyed General George Washington’s little army over seven years. Despite the odds, General Washington will be noted as a tough guy and an exceptional master at using spy strategies to help win the war.
If you have never known someone who was directly related to a spy in the American Revolution, Helen Masten, Former Chapter Regent, will share stories of her 4th great-grandmother’s spy activities as a young girl of 14.
Talana Hooper, DAR Chapter Historian, and well-known local historian, will demonstrate clever ways spies used hidden messages in communicating top-secret information to fellow spies.
Following this presentation, 20 children’s books about spies during the revolution will be distributed to young people in the audience. Families are encouraged to attend to receive a copy.
The observance of Constitution Week was initiated by DAR in 1955 and adopted by Congress in 1956 as a way to recognize the importance of the U.S. Constitution. In this chapter’s Constitution Week program, local high school students, who were winners of the 2024 DAR Patriotic Essay Contest, will be recognized as portions of their essays are read about how their community or school has contributed to promoting a more perfect union.
The program will end with an opportunity for the audience to learn what they know about the U.S. Constitution presented by DAR member and historian, Paula Price. Gary Burnett, who is widely known with DAR as “Mr. Constitution”, will encourage the reading of the Constitution by handing out U.S. Constitution booklets and answering questions.
For further information about this patriotic program contact: the library (928) 432-4165; Chapter Regent Vicki Foote (vickifootegvdar@gmail.com); Ruth Hernandez (435) 668-5948; Bonnie Briscoe (928) 428-5904); or any other member of the local DAR Gila Valley Chapter.
