(Photo L to R) Local DAR members Margaret Shoemaker, Suzan Garrison (DAR Southwest NM District Director), Brenda Tozier, Gail Firebaugh Smith, Cecilia Bell, Chapter Regent Lucy Whitmarsh and Diane LeBlanc with guest speaker Dr. Thomas Chávez and American Legion Post 18 members John Sterle, Ron Ogelsby and Charlie LeBlanc.SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO: Thomas E. Chávez, PhD, gave an exceptional and interesting presentation to a large audience on "Spain and the World War that Resulted in the Independence of the United States" on September 19, 2024 at The Murray Hotel Ballroom in Silver City. Attendees learned how Spain and France played significant roles in the United States gaining its independence from Great Britain. He also noted other lesser-known American Revolutionary War patriots who served in what is now the State of New Mexico.
This educational history program was presented by Silver City Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as one of its America250 initiatives. It was also in observance and celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, recognizing the significant contributions and influences of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South Americas to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.
A New Mexico native, historian and author, Dr. Chávez is recognized as the foremost authority on Spain's involvement in the American Revolution and has published 12 books. He was the director of the Palace of the Governors State History Museum in Santa Fe and retired as the executive director of the National Hispanic Culture Center in Albuquerque. Dr. Chávez is the recipient of many awards and honors, among them the Distinguished History Award Medal from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. In 2017, the King of Spain conferred upon him the only Spanish civil award that bestows personal nobility, the Orden Isabel la Católica, a rare honor and Spanish symbol of grandeur, honor, and international cooperation.
The Jacob Bennett Chapter received an America250 Celebration Grant from the National Society DAR to present this program. Grant funds were used for event expenses, enabling revenue from ticket sales to go toward another local DAR chapter America 250 project in 2025.
After the program by Dr Chávez, John Sterle from the local American Legion Post 18 presented a generous check to the DAR Jacob Bennett Chapter. This donation will also provide funding for this Chapter's America250 project in Silver City in 2025.
Chapter Regent Lucy Whitmarsh said, "We're celebrating this significant milestone in the history of the United States of America – the signing of the Declaration of Independence – all the way up to and including July 4, 2026! We hope we are inspiring and encouraging other local organizations, companies and individuals to join us and present their own America250 programs and involve the participation of our diverse community." Each year leading up to America's 250th birthday, the Jacob Bennett Chapter will provide Silver City and surrounding communities with educational events on the American Revolution, historical preservation initiatives, volunteer service, and observances to foster community involvement and celebration.
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established in 2016 and is facilitating nationwide plans to observe this historic occasion. The Commission created the America250 Foundation as its private, nonprofit partner. They share a website and identify under the America250 banner. America250 is a coalition of public and private partners, including the National Society DAR, all working to create initiatives and programs that honor the United States of America's first 250 years and imagine our next 250. Go to www.America250.org for inspiring and uplifting short videos.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890, and incorporated in 1896 by an Act of Congress, to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America's freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, call Lucy Whitmarsh at (575) 574-8394 or email
