The St. Augustine chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolutions will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in America’s oldest city with “fun and exciting educational opportunities” for residents and visitors that underscore the values of patriotism, ancestry, preservation and education.
Touting its brand-new website “Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in St. Augustine: A Journey Through Time,” DAR programs will highlight Revolutionary War history through public participation.
St. Augustine’s local DAR chapter — The Maria Jefferson Chapter — directed under Regent Beth Pelzer and 1st Vice Regent Diana Kaiser, told the St. Augustine Record that their goal is not to simply celebrate this milestone, but to position the region as a leader in historical interpretation. Community initiatives include educational opportunities, immersive experiences and preservation efforts that connect St. Augustine’s historical heritage with the founding of the United States of America.
“As we approach the momentous occasion of America’s 250th anniversary, there is no better place to celebrate than in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida,” Pelzer and Kaiser said. “Known as the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement, St. Augustine offers a unique and immersive experience, combining rich history with vibrant culture. This city, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit that have shaped America over the centuries.”
The organization’s efforts for this anniversary began three years ago, after the city rejected their proposal for an America 250 parade.
“So, we contacted Payson Tilden, the director of the Xmenez-Fatio House, which is owned by The Colonial Dames of America,” Pelzer said. “The three organizations share similar missions regarding the teaching of history, patriotism and historic preservation.”
The collaboration resulted in a dedicated DAR America 250 website that provides information on DAR’s community events.
“What a partnership it has been,” Pelzer said. “Bob Amason and Phil Perry came up with the idea for the website and Michael Amason, Bob’s son, designed the American 250 logo.”
Both say they plan to keep the website “going” long enough to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which permanently ended the Revolutionary War.
According to DAR’s America 250 website, goals include:
The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution was established in the 1890s to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Members are descended from individuals who battled for American independence during the Revolutionary War. Sporting almost 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active nonpolitical volunteer organizations. Members participate in local and national projects and initiatives to support communities and preserve history under the guise of understanding the nation’s history, including its ongoing efforts to pursue “equality and justice.”
With a strong emphasis placed on genealogy, DAR offers extensive research tools and resources — publications, videos, and educational materials — to support its mission, especially for those who can trace their ancestry to the Revolutionary War.
At its Washington D.C. headquarters, DAR maintains a major library, museum, archives and Constitution Hall, which serve as a hub for research, education and public engagement.
The St. Augustine chapter was pioneered by Maria Jefferson Eppes Shine, the great‑granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, beginning in 1896. However, plans were stalled by Shine’s failing health and her untimely death.
In 1898, Anna S. Woodruff stepped in to continue the work as the organizing regent. On March 26, 1898, the Maria Jefferson Chapter was officially chartered, becoming the second DAR chapter in Florida.
In 2025, St. Augustine’s DAR chapter recorded more than 7,000 hours of community service, which included sending more than 1,700 Christmas cards to American troops and supporting Veterans Village, Wreaths Across America, the county’s first responders and the Sheriff’s Office.
“We helped on cleanup days at Pinehurst, San Sebastian and Congregation Sons of Israel Cemeteries,” they continued. “We support ‘Bells Across America’ on Constitution Day, held a Patriots Remembrance Day ceremony at Tolomato Cemetery honoring three Patriots buried there while remembering our own Patriots. We marched with the Historic Florida Militia in the Torchlight Parade. We recognized four Women in American History: Maria Andreu, lightkeeper at St. Augustine Lighthouse, Mary Call Darby Collins, wife of Governor and member of St. Augustine Preservation Board, and Civil Rights leaders, Katherine Twine and Fannie Fulwood. Our youth awards include The Maria Jefferson Scholarship, Good Citizen Scholarship, Outstanding essay contest winners, and outstanding JROTC, Sea Cadets, and Civil Air Patrol cadets.”
For more information, go to https://www.dar.org. For membership information, go to https://www.dar.org/discover/become-member.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine’s DAR chapter launches America 250 website
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record | USA TODAY Network
