Daughters of the American Revolution hosting first event leading up to 250th Anniversary

The Dubois County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution plans to host its first annual Colonial area event during Strassenfest weekend. The event will featuring period-dressed volunteers and hands-on activities for children at the Veterans Garden near the Schaeffer Barn as part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

“We’re having kids activities. We’re making tricorner hats, lanterns and rag dolls,” said Buffy Keely, regent of the local DAR chapter.

Along with the crafts, the participants will also be telling stories and sharing information about life in those times for children.

The DAR chapter, which has about 30 members, expects several volunteers to dress in period attire for the event. Keely confirmed at least two local members will wear colonial clothing, and the chapter has invited the Sons of the American Revolution from Dubois to participate.

The Colonial area event serves as an information center to introduce the public to the Daughters of the American Revolution and its mission. The organization focuses on three pillars: historical preservation, education and patriotism.

Along with the event and future events planned for the 250th anniversary, the chapter sponsors writing contests throughout the year, with winners advancing to state and national competitions. Keely described the modern DAR as “very much a big service organization” that honors veterans and active military personnel while preserving the values of America’s founding fathers and mothers.

The Colonial area event represents the first of many planned activities leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. A coalition of more than 20 organizations met recently to coordinate activities and attractions throughout the county for the milestone celebration.

The DAR chapter maintains the Veterans Garden near the Shaeffer Barn, which influenced their choice of location for the Colonial area event. The organization wants to draw more attention to their ongoing work in the area while connecting with Shaeffer Barn activities.

Keely stated that the group is actively seeking members and that membership can be confirmed through either direct linage to a Revolutionary War patriot or through a person that provided support to the Revolutionary War efforts.

“You would be amazed how many people have a patriot in their line,” she said.

Along with the DAR activities in the garden, Eli Rasche, a scout with Holy Family Troop 185, has proposed building a wooden arbor entrance to the Veterans Garden. He received permission to do so at a recent Jasper Park Board meeting.