Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter, NSDAR

08/20/2026

August 20, 1776 – Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson,
and John Adams presented their proposal for a seal for the
newly formed United States. In 1782, after six years and three committees, the Continental Congress decided on a seal and incorporated elements of the 1776 design.

08/18/2026

The 19th Amendment guarantees that the right of U.S. citizens to vote cannot be denied or abridged on the account of s*x. Passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, it was officially certified on August 26, 1920, marking a major milestone for women's suffrage.

08/16/2026

The Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777, was a major American victory during the Revolutionary War. Led by General John Stark, local militia forces defeated British and German troops who were trying to steal food and horses.

Fun Fact: The Battle of Bennington was fought mostly in Walloomsac, New York, not in Bennington, Vermont! It was the Battle FOR Bennington!

08/14/2026

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on this day in 1935. Press photographers snapped pictures as FDR, flanked by ranking members of Congress, signed the historic act, which guaranteed income for the unemployed and retirees. FDR commended Congress for what he considered to be a “patriotic" act.

Did you know? The lady standing at the President's left shoulder is Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, the first woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet.

08/13/2026

From The History Channel: "Shortly after midnight on August 13, 1961, East German soldiers began laying down barbed wire and bricks as a barrier between Soviet-controlled East Berlin and the democratic western section of the city. The wire was soon replaced by a six-foot-high, 96-mile-long wall of concrete blocks, complete with guard towers, machine gun posts, and searchlights. East German officers known as Volkspolizei (“Volpos”) patrolled the Berlin Wall day and night.

In the late 1980s, East Germany, fueled by the decline of the Soviet Union, began to implement a number of liberal reforms. On November 9, 1989, masses of East and West Germans alike gathered at the Berlin Wall and began to climb over and dismantle it. As this symbol of Cold War repression was destroyed, East and West Germany became one nation again, signing a formal treaty of unification on October 3, 1990."

What are your memories of the wall?

08/10/2026

Most of us have items that make our everyday life easier. So did our ancestors! Learn more about some of the everyday objects of Colonial America: https://www.history.com/articles/colonial-america-everyday-objects.

Colonists found ways to make life easier with these objects.

08/07/2026

Today is Purple Heart Day. Purple Heart Day commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. The Purple Heart honors the men and women who are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

General George Washington created the Badge of Merit in 1782. Washington intended the honor to be presented to soldiers for "any singularly meritorious action." Its design included a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver. Across the face, the word Merit was embroidered in silver.

While an accurate and complete list of names no longer exists, National Geographic recently estimated that nearly 1.9 million service members have earned Purple Hearts since its creation. It is the oldest U.S. military honor still bestowed upon service members today. Until 1944, the Purple Heart also recognized service members' commendable actions. Then, in 1944, the requirements were limited to those wounded or killed in combat.

Today, let us honor everyone who has received a Purple Heart.

08/05/2026

WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) was formed by merging the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) and the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD). They logged more than 60 million miles flying every type of military aircraft in the arsenal, including bombers and fighters. WASP members conducted vital non-combat tasks such as ferrying new planes from factories, testing aircraft, towing targets for gunnery practice, and transporting cargo.

The WASP members were U.S. federal civil service employees and did not qualify for military benefits. Each member paid for her own transportation costs to training sites, for her dress uniforms, and room and board. They were not recognized for their service until 1977, when President Jimmy Carter granted them full veteran status.

08/04/2026

Happy Birthday to the Coast Guard!

08/02/2026

Another school year is ahead, and we know teachers and administrators are busy preparing for a great year!

Did you know that the DAR Community Classroom Committee can help with some of your planning? The committee offers a treasure trove of teaching ideas and lesson plans. Check the attachments below for links and QR codes!