ELIZABETHTOWN — The Battle of Elizabethtown Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution held its final meeting of the year on Saturday at The Elizabethtown Inn.

Chapter Historian Sheila Calloway’s program “Hidden Gems and Buried Treasures” described how manuscripts and special collections in archives and libraries preserve documents relevant to historical and genealogical research. Examples from local research demonstrated the value of these resources and the need for members to preserve personal documents.

Regent Linda Smith reported on the recent state conference. The chapter was recognized in several categories including conservation efforts for tree planting, providing genealogical workshops and several service projects. Current projects include collecting children’s books for summer reading initiatives in local schools and writing thank you notes to active duty service personnel. Several chapter members will attend the 125th Continental Congress in Washington, DC in June.

Registrar Linda Rivenbark hosted a prospective members’ tea at her home in Clarkton on April 30. Co-sponsored with the Major Gen. Robert Howe Chapter from Columbus County, the guests learned about the organization’s history and mission, as well as the application process.

Chapter members participated in a grave-marking ceremony on May 7 at the Shipman Cemetery in Columbus County for David Nance. Nance, a Civil War soldier, is an ancestor of members Erika Kinlaw, Dianne Pitman, Ms. Rivenbark and Gayle Watson. Sponsored by the Daughters of the Gray UDC chapter, the ceremony included a presentation by Layton Dowless, an area volunteer who has coordinated the installation of almost 500 markers for military veterans from multiple conflicts.

Chapter members also assisted at Harmony Hall’s homecoming event on Saturday. American History Chair Sunday Allen and students from the East Bladen History Club were on hand to provide information to visitors. Vice Regent Smith gave a presentation on events in the area during the latter part of the war, particularly the visit of Cornwallis and his troops in April of 1781 and the events leading up to the Battle of Elizabethtown later that year.

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