Ancestor’s Almanac / Pocahontas: Native Ambassador

Pocahontas: Native Ambassador

Ancestor’s Almanac / by GAY PASLEY, Virginia Society and descendant of Pocahontas

In 2007, our country marked the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in 1607. One woman, Pocahontas, a Native American princess, was among the first to welcome the settlers. Despite her short life (15961617), she left an impression well beyond these 400 years. To leave such an impression is remarkable, considering “none of her thoughts or feelings were ever recorded.”

The walls on the east side of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda are decorated with eight monumental oil paintings that, together, depict the early history of our nation’s founding. One of these paintings, the “Baptism of Pocahontas,” shows the significance of the 1613 religious event to the founding of this nation. The English saw the conversion of Native Americans to Christianity as the ultimate justification for their subjugation. One official English publication noted Pocahontas’ baptism as “the blessing of Christianity among heathen savages.” Unfortunately, the English never acknowledged their eventual destruction of over 90 percent of Pocahontas’ Algonquin people over the next half century.

Why did this Indian princess fascinate the English invaders? Pocahontas showed a deep interest in the English and played an increasingly critical role of Native ambassador to the first permanent English settlement in America.

Since 1607, Americans and English have held many memorial celebrations of the founding of Jamestown, the restoration of the Jamestown Fort, the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, and her much celebrated trip to England as an ambassador of her Native people. Tragically, she died on this trip at the age of 21, in 1617, leaving her son, Thomas, as her only heir. He grew up in England, but, when he returned to Virginia, he continued to try to improve the relations between his mother’s people and the colonists. In 1619, Pocahontas’ widower, John Rolfe, became a representative to the colony’s first General Assembly.

To have died so young was a sad loss for both her Native people and Jamestown, but Pocahontas was a remarkable woman, and her accomplishments extend well beyond her lifetime. As the Reverend Ben Campbell wrote in his book, Richmond’s Unhealed History, “She lived the first two-thirds of her life in the language, religion, and culture of the Algonquins and the last third in the language, religion, and culture of the English.”

She was regarded with great respect for her commitment to her role as an ambassador of both nations.

BIENNIAL 2020

The 63rd Biennial Council was unlike any other in the 129-year history of the Dames. While the pandemic kept us from catching up with our fellow Dames in person, we remained connected through our common mission, our curiosity about various topics and our commitment to our ever-evolving organization. The 15 educational sessions enabled nearly 900 Dames across the country to learn about a variety of topics, including DNA research, samplers and broadened narratives at house museums. Keynote speaker and philanthropist David Rubenstein shared his concept of “patriotic philanthropy,” and Professor Richard Bell, who spoke during the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, encouraged us to challenge our beliefs about historical figures to better understand the complicated truths about these complex people.

The highlight of Biennial weekend was the transition of our Executive Committee (more information on page 14), including a new National President, Katherine Grainger Taylor Cammack. Former President Marcy Moody (20122016) and outgoing President Anna Duff (2016-2020) welcomed Katherine during an in-person installation ceremony in Florida. During her heartfelt speech, Katherine reflected, “We are an organization of strong, talented and selfless women. I stand on the shoulders of all the ladies that came before me, in this position, and across the National Society.”

Katherine thanked her family and her many mentors, including former National Presidents Hilary Gripekoven, Stuart Cobb, Marcy Moody and Anna Duff, who taught her graciousness, generosity and the value of participation. “...these ladies have enriched my life and they changed the course of my Dames experience. The difference each of you can make on another member’s experience with the Dames is profound.”

During the Arlington ceremony, Katherine spoke about this year’s challenges and reminded Dames of our resilience: We all have struggled during this year: with the global pandemic; a period of national civil unrest; and many in our country struggling to make ends meet; but once again, so many Americans have unconditionally stepped forward with an untold number of heroic deeds and duties, working the front lines and sacrificing the health and safety of their families, for the good of our country. We wish we could all be together, but we understand our work goes on in different and still important ways. One hundred years from now our history will show that in the midst of a pandemic of 2020 we launched Great American Treasures, met virtually with 850 women, reopened Dumbarton House to visitors and supported many projects around the country.

Our virtual Biennial showed the Dames’ determination in the face of adversity and our commitment to coming together every year - no matter the obstacles.

Biennial by the Numbers 891 registrations 15 educational sessions

Average of 251 at each event during Biennial weekend 1,003 total attendance

Average of 198 at each educational session 2,971 total attendance

Virginia Stuart Cobb First Recipient of the NSCDA Award for Generosity and Purpose

The recognition of Stuart Cobb as the first recipient of the NSCDA Award for Generosity and Purpose was a fabulous highlight during Biennial weekend. Stuart was recognized for her generosity of spirit and philanthropic leadership that she shares with the Dames and her community of Little Rock, Arkansas; her vision for the future of the NSCDA; and her devotion to our organization. Stuart is an Honorary President of the Dames, the Honorary Chair of the NSCDA Comprehensive Campaign, and the sole contributor of the lead gift for the campaign.

Thank you, Stuart, for your generosity and leadership in supporting the Dames’ mission!

by MARY HALLOCK FIELDS, Roll of Honor Chair

Announcing our 2020 Roll of Honor recipients: 48 Dames from 28 states have been nominated by their states to receive NSCDA’s highest honor. While the NSCDA Board defines our vision, it is the members who put their sustained energies into making these goals attainable. Each Society is a vital part of the NSCDA, and giving the Roll of Honor to a deserving member inspires us all to be part of this team. (2019 Roll of Honor receipients were listed in the fall 2019 Dames Dispatch and in the 63rd Biennial Roll of Honor booklet.)

In 1941, for the fiftieth anniversary celebration of NSCDA’s founding, members were asked to donate to honor the founders and the leadership. With these donations, the Golden Jubilee Fund was established and invested for the benefit of Gunston Hall and Dumbarton House Museum. In 2018, the NSCDA National Board voted to dissolve the Golden Jubilee Fund and give half the balance to Gunston Hall. The remainder established the Golden Jubilee II Fund which solely benefits the NSCDA Headquarters - Dumbarton House. All Roll of Honor donations now go to this fund.

During the following years, the Roll of Honor evolved as a way for Corporate Societies to recognize their own deserving members, who have gone “above and beyond” with their exemplary and sustained dedication to the NSCDA and its mission. Each recipient receives a lovely certificate and is eligible to wear the special Roll of Honor pin. Her name is beautifully embossed in a blue leather book, kept at Dumbarton House and put on display at each Biennial Council. Each state was asked to send a worthy donation in her honor; donations averaged $25-$50 until 1965 when the expected donation was set at $100. It has remained at that level for 55 years, but in the years ahead, a more significant donation minimum will be considered to reflect the Dames’ sustained dedication and hard work as well as the importance of this award.

To further underscore this honor’s significance, the nomination form now asks for a thoughtful proposal letter describing the nominee’s service and overall dedication to the NSCDA; these forms and letters will be saved in the archives for future reference. Additional information is available on the NSCDA website. How the Roll of Honor is defined and preserved is key to the legacy of the NSCDA.

ARKANSAS

Anne Elizabeth Orsi

ALABAMA

Shirley Winona Dowling McCrary

ARIZONA

Cynthia Weyand Gray Cobb

CALIFORNIA

Nancy Ann Corbin Assaf

Ruth Donohugh

Caroline Chickering Fish

Margaret Hamilton Love Martin

COLORADO

Carolyn Ann Fellows Moore

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Ellen Macbeth Boomer

DELAWARE

Sarah Ann Crittenden D’Alonzo

FLORIDA

Elizabeth Wight Edmunds Grinnan

Monett Powers Kent

GEORGIA

Leslie McDonald Hunter Hudson

HAWAII

Margaret Elvie Brown Armstrong

IOWA

Kristine Marie Bartley

ILLINOIS

Claudia Stewart Lane

Winifred Haven Date Hayes

Sonya Merchant Wolsey-Paige

INDIANA

Marjory Alig Bates

KANSAS

Mary Prohodsky Shepherd

MARYLAND

Laura Bridget West-Birely

Kathryn Leigh McIntosh Zabriskie

MAINE

Carrie Mae Swanton Robinson

MICHIGAN

Elizabeth Spalding Buell

McCormick

MINNESOTA

Adrienne Louise Stork Morrison

Lois Irene Abromitis

NORTH CAROLINA

Sara Moss McCowen Larkin

NEBRASKA

Frederika Marie ver Hulst

Cristy Elizabeth Clarke Hedgpeth

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Nancy Horner Borden

Susan Bonnet Milne Haydock

Mary Staples Peters Waples

NEVADA

Margaret Preston Hill Hilton

NEW YORK

Mary Patricia Curran Naud

PENNSYLVANIA

Genevieve Mieville Ebbert

Barbara May Baird Rogers

Elizabeth Anne Teti

SOUTH CAROLINA

Renee Helene LaHue Marshall

Caroline Gaston Hawkins

Dargon

Florence Marianna Thomson

MacIntyre

TENNESSEE

Joan Edythe Dring Campbell

Alice Ruffin Swords Whitson

TEXAS

Katharine Louise Blair

Margaret Middleton White Gooch

Susan Corbit Spruance

Mollie Folkes Steves Zachery

WEST VIRGINA

Katharine Bullard Becker

WYOMING

Mary Christine Love

Clarinda Pendleton Lamar Awards for Excellence

The Clarinda Pendleton Lamar Awards for Excellence were created to honor the legacy of the late Clarinda Pendleton Lamar, National Society President (1914-1927), to highlight exceptional projects and services of the Corporate Societies in the areas of Historical Activities, Museum Alliance and Patriotic Service, and to learn and be inspired by these positive accomplishments. The criteria for judging projects submitted include: support of the NSCDA Mission, impact on the Society and/or its local communities, potential for replication in other locations, accomplishments and impact overall, and bonus points for well written and presented materials. Judges for these awards were the Chairs and ViceChairs of the Historical Activities, Museum Alliance and Patriotic Service Committees (for their respective projects) and President Anna Duff and Honorary President Marcy Moody served for all three project areas.

Barbara Linville, Chair of the National Historical Activities Committee, presented the Clarinda Pendleton Lamar Award for Excellence to the following Corporate Societies: Katherine Cammack, Chair of the National Museum Alliance, presented the Clarinda Pendleton Lamar Award for Excellence to the following Corporate Societies: Julie Lineberry, Chair of the National Patriotic Service Committee, presented the Clarinda Pendleton Lamar Award for Excellence to the following Corporate Societies:

Tennessee Society: Redesign Portrait Web Site Portal at tnportraits.org South Carolina Society: Powder Magazine 2nd Cup Conversations Georgia Society: Marietta Town Committee Homeward Bound for Cobb Veterans

Wyoming Society Mandel Cabin School Curriculum Texas Society: Neill-Cochran House Museum If These Walls Could Talk Indiana Society Sleeping Mats for Homeless Vets

Legacy Circle

LIZ FORMAN, Legacy Circle Chair 2018-2020

The work of tomorrow is assured by careful planning future. The NSCDA and its GAT initiative have done so much to tell the stories of early America. As members, we have done a great job of supporting our Society and our Comprehensive Campaign, but there’s so much more we can do to ensure the NSCDA’s projects can continue to tell our stories long after we are gone. We must continue to tell the stories of our country’s history - stories so important that we hear them echoed throughout the musical, Hamilton. “Who lives? Who dies? Who tells

today. Estate planning is a critical part of planning for the your story?”

A heartfelt welcome to the newest members of the Legacy Circle: Mrs. Edward Grew, Mona-Tate W. Powell, Mim Sellgren, Karen Stetler and Linda Kay Vandenberg. Kindly visit the “Members” section of nscda.org to learn how to join the Legacy Circle.

Celebrate OUR HISTORY Inspire OUR FUTURE!

OUR COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN

Great American Treasures is HERE!

by KATHERINE CAMMACK, National Museum Alliance Committee Chair and CATHERINE NUZUM, Curator of Special Projects for the NSCDA

In 2019, when we began eyeing spring/summer 2020 as the right time to launch Great American Treasures (GAT), we never could have imagined that the world would be reeling from a global health crisis. As the target date approached, we kept to our plan in the hopes that this initiative could provide something of a bright spot during an uncertain and unprecedented time. So on May 22nd, after much anticipation, www.greatamericantreasures.org was launched for all to enjoy. How exciting it was to see the number of page views rise to over 400 that first day! Within the first week, the new website was viewed nearly 2,000 times.

The launch of the website was planned in conjunction with the release of the June edition of Southern Living magazine, where GAT was featured in the popular Travel Planner section (the ad ran a second time in the August issue and will run a third time in the combined December/January issue). Due to the pandemic, travel to our special destinations wasn’t an option, but that didn’t stop subscribers from exploring our website—a virtual destination in and of itself. Over 1,000 subscribers requested and were sent a beautiful, new brochure full of information about GAT.

The sustained excitement around this carefully cultivated NSCDA project has been reassuring and inspiring to witness. We send out heartfelt thanks to every Dame who visited the website, liked a Facebook post, sent a congratulatory message or in any way spread awareness about Great American Treasures.

The Great American Treasures Museum Alliance and the Museum Alliance Grant Fund would not be possible without the generous donations from Dames around the country who have supported these initiatives with pledges and contributions to the Comprehensive Campaign. Thank you all for promoting the legacy and mission of the NSCDA!

Generosity Purpose

OUR COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN

A Legacy of Generosity

In 1793 as President Washington was completing his fourth yearinoffice,YellowFeverhitPhiladelphiaandthegovernment had to retreat to safer places for the summers of ’93,’94 and ’95. The government survived and flourished.

Almost 100 years later in 1891, our NSCDA founders established one of the largest and most successful preservation societies in our country. I am extremely proud of the risks they took in preserving the materials and properties of our Founding Fathers and Mothers which were in danger of being lost. In the next four decades they raised enough money to build monuments, buy and refurbish a Headquarter - Dumbarton House, and establish an endowment for Sulgrave Manor. The Corporate Societies were also saving remarkable properties all over the country.

These women left us a legacy of using our resources and talents to educate others about the values that made our republic the treasure it is. This culture of philanthropy goes on today! Thank you for your wonderful support of the NSCDA Comprehensive Campaign which enables us to fulfill our mission. Many of you have “taken a risk” to stretch the amount of your gift or pledges. Our founders would be proud we are carrying on this legacy with such dedication!

With much gratitude! Stuart Cobb Honorary Campaign Chair National NSCDA President 2004-2008

Over $9 million!

Supporting Our Mission

As we enter the completion phase of our $10 million NSCDA Comprehensive Campaign, we remember and honor the Dames who came before us and their generosity which has funded our mission for over 129 years. Their accomplishments are remarkable! Just like the Dames of the past, you are continuing our culture of philanthropy and are strengthening our mission for the 21st century in three key areas, “Our Society, Our Home, and Our Legacy,” through your gifts to the Comprehensive Campaign.

Through your generosity, we have funded Great American Treasures, our nationally recognized alliance of Museum Properties; provided support for Patriotic Service and Historical Activities projects; and increased the training and support of our Corporate Society and National leaders.

Through your generosity, our 200-year-old National Headquarters and museum, Dumbarton House, will continue to be the national symbol of the values and mission of the NSCDA, serving as an example and resource for best practices in preservation, education and collections management for our Corporate Societies and the public.

Through your generosity, we are providing for our legacy through the Dumbarton Fund for the Future and the Museum Grant Fund.

If you have not given to the Comprehensive Campaign, please consider making a gift, or even if you have, please consider making an additional gift to help us reach and exceed our goal of $10 million. Through your gifts, the Dames will continue to have a national impact as a Society that is well-funded and mission-driven.

Gratefully, Edith Stickney NSCDA Comprehensive Campaign Chair

This Is Our Time to Support Our Mission!

Contact CamilleWeber@nscda.org to give to the Comprehensive Campaign or go to https://nscda.org/campaign/

The Campaign ends at midnight December 31, 2020

NSCDA Ad Hoc Membership Committee

by CAROLINE GOEDHART, Ad Hoc Membership Committee Chair

At the request of the NSCDA Executive Committee, National President Anna Duff formed an Ad Hoc Membership Committee. The purpose of the task force was to develop a detailed plan with steps/ recommendations on how to attract more members to the NSCDA with a specific focus in the following areas: • Age demographics: 21 - 35 and 36 - 55. • Re-examination of NSCDA’s membership process and how any friends/ affiliates/ auxiliary groups work; explore the pros and cons of additional categories of participation in the individual Societies, such as Associate Members. • Consideration of prospective members seeking membership in a state where no Corporate Society exists. The following members served on the committee: Caroline Goedhart (Chair), Mary Bradley, Molly Carey, Margaret Hamilton, Holly Hunt, Mary Mundy, Caroline Rochford, Mary Turner and Caro Williams. The following members served as advisors: Sandi Atkinson, Lucy Bell, Stuart Cobb, Gail Faraday, Keith Gammon and Lisa Liles.

The Ad Hoc Committee has been busy over the last few months gathering data to better understand our member recruitment, engagement and retention. During this first phase the committee identified seven key problem areas: 1. The application process is difficult and inconsistent. 2. We need to clarify how we are relevant in the 21st century/ our perception in the community. 3. We, as individuals and individual Corporate Societies, are not good about talking about what we do externally beyond marketing for our museum houses. 4. Individual society membership committees may be nonfunctioning or nonexistent. 5. We need additional members. 6. Corporate Societies need the ability to change based on new/ different membership needs. 7. We need to clarify the role National plays to help Corporate Societies.

Our next step is to develop solutions in these areas. We will provide an update to the National Board at our annual meeting. If you have comments or questions please email Caroline Goedhart or reach out directly to any of our committee members.

NSCDA Executive Committee 2020-2022

President KATHERINE GRAINGER TAYLOR CAMMACK North Carolina

Vice President, National Headquarters - Dumbarton House JANE H. BOYLIN West Virginia

Vice President Residing in Region II MONA-TATE W. POWELL Kentucky

Vice President Residing in Region IV ELLEN MACBETH BOOMER District of Columbia

Vice President Residing in Region III MIMI M. HURST Arkansas

Vice President Residing in Region I CARO THOMAS WILLIAMS Colorado

Recording Secretary MARY H. MUNDY South Carolina

Corresponding Secretary SUSAN W. WALKER Tennessee

Treasurer ELIZABETH M. HAGOPIAN Massachusetts

Assistant Treasurer ROSALIE LANGE Indiana

Registrar MARY L. “MEEPSIE” DOUGHERTY Texas

Historian SALLY F. CONNELLY Ohio