SILVER CITY, NM: The Silver City Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is pleased to present an educational program by Thomas E. Chávez, PhD on September 19 from 7:00-8:00 PM at The Murray Hotel Ballroom, 200 West Broadway in Silver City. Dr. Chávez will speak on "Spain and the World War that Resulted in the Independence of the United States." Attendees will learn about lesser-known American Revolutionary War Spanish and Native American patriots who served in what is now the State of New Mexico and played a significant role in gaining America's freedom and independence. The cost to attend is $10/person at the door. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Advance reservations are required. To reserve, email
A New Mexico native, historian and author, Dr. Chávez is 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.
"We are excited to bring Dr. Chávez to Silver City," says Chapter Regent Lucy Whitmarsh. "If you are interested in the histories of New Mexico, Spain, France, or the American Revolutionary War, you will not want to miss this extremely interesting and educational program."
On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established in 2016 and is facilitating nationwide plans to observe this historic occasion. DAR is honored to be part of this Commission and has established an America 250! Committee to plan celebrations with its chapters across the United States. This program by Dr. Chávez is presented by the DAR Jacob Bennett Chapter as one of its America 250! Projects. We are grateful to have received a Celebration Grant from DAR to provide this opportunity to our 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 Jacob Bennett Chapter was founded in 1903 by Jennette Amelia Ashenfelter and is named after her patriot ancestor.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 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 3,000 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
