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Daughters of the American Revolution is a service-directed organization that serves at the community, state, and national levels. While the national organization develops programs, initiatives, and guidelines through the Executive Officers, National Board of Management, and committees, the execution of this work is done at the state and chapter levels. Following the direction and leadership of our National Society, KSDAR creates a support system for our chapters, officers, and members to carry out our ongoing and varied programs, projects, and events.
Our three main areas of service work are patriotism, education, and historical preservation. Within these categories are a myriad of activities, including:
The projects, activities, and events that bring KSDAR Daughters together are seemingly endless.
KSDAR leadership changes every three years with a new regent, officers, and district directors. Each regent establishes her own state project, which encompasses every chapter’s participation. These projects have included: the 1999-2010 restoration of our state headquarters, Duncan Tavern in Paris, Kentucky; supporting the Hindman Settlement School Capital Campaign by funding the Kentucky Porch; establishing the Kentucky Gift of Reading Endowment at Hindman; and other projects that support the society’s mission. The Duncan Tavern Restoration project also developed an exhibit plan to conserve and display important historical artifacts, including several noted paintings. The state project of our current State Regent Linda Conrad, will support the Lafayette Trail, Inc., by providing funds to mark important sites visited by Lafayette during his 1824-1825 U.S. Farewell Tour; the Reading Program at Hindman Settlement School; and Duncan Tavern Historical Center to include digitizing records in the archives.
Kentucky Daughters are invited to gather multiple times throughout the year. Our annual conference each March brings hundreds of Daughters for three days to share our talents, energy, and friendship with our areas of service. District workshops and the Fall Board of Management provide more opportunities to meet Daughters from around the state and see first-hand what projects, programs, and activities are underway. The spring and fall events at Duncan Tavern are always festive times of friendship and fun.
Founded in 1902 by May Stone of the Fincastle Chapter, NSDAR, and Katherine Pettit of the Lexington Chapter, NSDAR, in Hindman, Kentucky. Hindman Settlement School is one of five DAR-supported schools. The Hindman Settlement School’s mission is to provide education and service opportunities for people of the mountains while keeping them mindful of their heritage. This mission continues today with programs that address education and service programs to meet the critical educational needs of the region’s youth, including dyslexia, literacy, locally grown sustainable food, and traditional arts.
According to primary documents, this historic building was probably constructed in the mid-1790s. Joseph Duncan purchased the land in 1792 and first appeared on the tax rolls in 1793. In the mid-19th century, it was known as the Burr House and became a boarding house during the 1890s. But the structure had fallen onto hard times by the early 20th century and was condemned by the City of Paris in 1940.
1940 brought an opportunity and a challenge to the Kentucky Daughters. The large dilapidated structure slated for demolition was offered to the Kentucky Daughters for the price of one dollar; if they would agree to renovate the building and have it ready for use in one year. The renovated building would contain a museum and a library and become the KSDAR headquarters. Mrs. Julia Ardery assumed the enormous task and led the renovation.
Today, Duncan Tavern serves as a treasured historical venue for tours, meetings, and events. For more information, visit the Duncan Tavern website.
