Poplar Forest Chapter, NSDAR, Lynchburg, Virginia

10/23/2026

Swinney Militaria is back for New London Day 2026!
Explore a substantial collection of militaria including items from WW1 and WW2. New this year: military history in brick!

-Visitors will also have a chance to
Meet the patriots and learn about their contributions.
-See our recently installed DAR historical marker to remember those who served at the New London Arsenal.
-Talk with archaeologists about the thousands of artifacts that are telling the story of New London’s long history.
-Enjoy craft demonstrations including a blacksmith, bookbinder, spinning, and calligraphy.
-Hear period music indoors and outdoors
-Attend a brush arbor service at the African American Church
-Check out the antique cars, food vendors, and much more!

Have you seen our NSDAR Arsenal marker behind the Alum Springs Hotel? Stop by the Welcome tent at the former Methodist Church, intersection of Turkeyfoot and Alum Springs Rd, for information on the day’s events.

10/20/2026

Join Poplar Forest Chapter for our local Wreaths Across America event Saturday, December 19, 2026 at Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg. Contact us if you would like to sponsor a wreath.

Here's how you can join the mission over the next 60 days:
- Find a participating location in your community.
- Sponsor veterans' wreaths through a sponsorship group that supports your local cemetery.
- Sign up to volunteer on Saturday, December 19!

www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

10/19/2026

Jones Memorial Library will be opening a new exhibit on Tuesday that explores World War I though the voices of Lynchburg and Central Virginia residents who lived through the period. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

10/12/2026

Jacqueline Kennedy didn't just choose the furniture for the White House restoration. In July 1961 she was photographed carrying a chair across the Red Room herself. And then she made sure no one could ever undo her work. 🏛️

The money problem came first. Refurbishing the family's private quarters had already used up the $50,000 Congress allotted for White House alterations. So the Fine Arts Committee, formed in February 1961, set out to find authentic furniture from the White House's early years and raise private funds to give it to the house.

Donors had a reasonable fear: what was to stop a future President from selling off or taking whatever they gave? Jackie solved that too.

In September 1961, Congress passed Public Law 87-286, officially declaring the White House a museum. It required that historic furnishings declared to be of historic or artistic interest would be inalienable, permanent property of the White House.

That law did more than reassure donors. It meant her restoration couldn't simply be undone by the next family to move in. The legislation turned one First Lady's project into a permanent public trust.

Most people remember her elegance. This was her strategy: roll up your sleeves, then change the law so the work outlasts you.

What's something you've built that you made sure would last beyond you?

10/11/2026

Poplar Forest Chapter, NSDAR, held a Liberty Tree dedication on October 8, 2026 at Point of Honor in Lynchburg. The donated tree is a white oak and fills a spot left by an older tree. Regent Donna Bremer secured the grant last spring and the gift was received by Point of Honor board member (and Poplar Forest member) Laura Crumbley. It was a beautiful day.

10/11/2026

October 17th | 6-8 PM | Avoca Museum