John Alden Chapter, NSDAR, Midland, Michigan

08/19/2026

Are you looking for your Revolutionary War Patriots? A valuable resource is the Genealogy Record System (GRS) of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. This is available to the public.
The new September/October edition of ‘Family Tree Magazine “ has a two page article on how to use the GRS. It also notes that more information can be found in the magazine’s June podcast. And remember that DAR loves to help! Contact us or note on the National public website that you are interested in membership. They will get you set up with someone near you.

08/18/2026

The Nineteenth Amendment enfranchised 26 million American women in time for the 1920 U.S. presidential election, but the powerful women's voting bloc that many politicians feared failed to fully materialize until decades later. Additionally, the Nineteenth Amendment failed to fully enfranchise African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American women (see § Limitations). Shortly after the amendment's adoption, Alice Paul and the National Woman's Party began work on the Equal Rights Amendment, which they believed was a necessary additional step towards equality. Taken from Wikipedia.

08/07/2026

General George Washington, at his headquarters in Newburgh, NY, August 7, 1782, devised a badge "for any singularly meritorious action"
It fell out of use after the Revolutionary War and was later revived by General Douglas McArther in WWII. Revisions continued with the other branches of services being included for this award.
President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11016 on April 25, 1962, extending eligibility as well to "any civilian national of the United States, who while serving under competent authority in any capacity with an armed force, has been, or may hereafter be, wounded."

08/05/2026

07/24/2026

The John Alden Chapter invites you to stop by our booth on Saturday, August 1st at River Days in Midland, MI. We will have a booth in the Historical Groups section by the Tridge from 12 PM to 5 PM. It is FREE, so stop by, there is a lot happening, food, music, children's activities, hot air balloons and more!

07/17/2026

On this date in 1776 the largest Revolutionary War battle to take place in Maryland was the Battle of St. George Island. Local militia repelled the British fleet, which was led by John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore. He had previously been the Governor of Virginia and had recently burned down the town of Norfolk! It was the first time that the British recruited enslaved people offering them freedom. The Maryland Militia prevailed!

07/17/2026

This is a view over Arlington Cemetery. Michigan Cemeteries include Fort Custer in Augusta, MI., Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI., Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery and Lakeside Cemetery Soldier's Lot in Port Huron, MI. There is also the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery.

07/09/2026

On Wednesday, July 8th the John Alden Chapter celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This was part of a nation-wide America 250 event which had groups and communities around the nation doing a simultaneous reading at 6:00 PM. Can you imagine so many happening at once?! Our chapter worked with several community groups on this event which was held at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library auditorium. At 5:00 PM we had an annotated reading by Professor Christina De Clerck-Szilagyi followed by a question & answer session. Promptly at 6:00 PM we started the formal reading. Eighteen readers from around Midland County each read a section. The audience stood and read the final section led by the John Alden Chapter Regent. Guests were invited to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence before or after the event.