Members of the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman chapter (SRH-MS) are very engaged with various DAR committees, in support of annual community programs, recognition awards, and donations to local agencies that support veterans and families.
Each February, our Valentines for Vets program delivers handmade Valentine cards and goodie bags or toiletries to veterans in local nursing homes—-the residents are always very appreciative!
In March, we celebrate the area high school recipients of the DAR Good Citizens Award with a reception. We also recognize Women in American History, choosing an honoree who has made a contribution or a difference in her community. Honorees are added to the national DAR database.
In June we have a Flag Day program, open to the public. We also collect donations earmarked for a local veterans group, and collect tattered flags for our local American Legion, for a proper disposal.
In September, we celebrate Constitution Week to commemorate the historical events surrounding the creation of the U.S. Constitution. We work with local cities and towns to issue proclamations, and distribute bookmarks and posters to local libraries.
October celebrates the founding of our beloved DAR, on October 11, 1890. To commemorate this event, chapters everywhere engage in a DAR Day of Service. In 2023, our chapter located and photograph the gravestones in the Huntington Burial Ground in Shelton that were missing photographs on the Find-A-Grave website. We searched for 92 grave sites and found 47 — a 51% success rate! The past few years, we’ve delivered a home-cooked potluck meal to the Madaras Home for Women Veterans – a very rewarding experience for all involved!
On Veterans Day, we’ve served free donuts and coffee at the Shelton Veterans Day Ceremony; 2026 marks 18 years of serving!
In 2020, we honored our veterans with a Virtual Driving Tour of the Veterans Monuments and Memorials of Shelton, Derby and Ansonia.
View the tour: Virtual Driving Tour of Veterans Monuments and Memorials in Shelton, Derby and Ansonia.