What IS the William Byrd Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution?
Richmond, Virginia
The William Byrd Chapter, named for Colonel William Byrd II, was founded in 1917. For more than one hundred years, the William Byrd Chapter has been involved in projects that support veterans, that teach children about our country's rich history, and that help preserve historical sites - all so that future generations can understand and appreciate and cherish our country. Founded just as the United States entered World War I, members worked to support the war effort by caring for war orphans and collecting war supplies In 1928, the chapter became the caretakers of the Madison Cemetery at Montpelier and later placed a bronze plaque on the cemetery wall on the 100th anniversary of Madison's death. During World War II, members' efforts included sending more seed packages to the War Services Gardens Overseas than any other chapter in the United States. Flourishing and remaining strong for decades, the chapter moved into the twenty-first century with the same zeal and enthusiasm that motivated its founders. Members continued their service to veterans, sponsored patriotic organizations for school children, and contributed to the John Marshall House by placing a bench in the garden, to name only a few of the many projects in which the chapter participated. William Byrd continues to march forward in service to our country.
Meeting Location Changes to St. Giles Presbyterian Church!
After several years in our former location, the William Byrd Chapter has a new home! Our new meeting place, St. Giles Presbyterian Church, is conveniently located at 5200 Grove Avenue, Richmond VA. Ample parking is available in lots at both ends of the the facility, as well as on the side street., Tuckahoe Boulevard. William Byrd officers will be helping to direct members to the fellowship hall, where our meeting will take place. See you there!
SEPTEMBER CHAPTER MEETING JUST AHEAD
Join us on Tuesday, September 26 at 10:30 for our fist chapter meeting of 2023-2024. Our speaker, Dr. Elizabeth O'Leary, will present a fascinating program of the history of one of Richmond's iconic neighborhoods, the Carillon Community. Come and see our exciting new location, with plenty of convenient parking. Look for a William Byrd officer for directions upon arrival at the church. Please help us to help others by bringing school supplies for the All Nations Fellowship at Westminster Presbyterian Church (our former meeting location). Guests are welcome and members may access the chapter's FaceBook page for further information.
FANTASTIC FIELD TRIP FRIDAYS ARE BACK!
Mark your calendars now for February 5, 2024, when we will have the opportunity to see the "back room" at the Valentine Museum. See how curators catalog the vast collection of artifacts from Richmond's history, and gain an insight into how exhibits come into being. Details will be published in the months ahead.
Additional field trips are planned to Yeocomico church and the Kinsale Museum, and details will be posted closer to time.
Exciting things are on tap for 2023! The William Byrd's main focus is SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY, and that means both our local and far flung communities. Check out our "Chapter Info" tab for dates and other program information for 2023. We can't possibly put everything that we do into our website. You'll have to come and check us out - at a meeting, at a field trip, at a volunteer opportunity.
Why Have a DAY OF SERVICE?
- Because "Daughters of the American Revolution" is first of all a service organization...
- Because others have given, and continue to give, so much to each of us...
- Because it gives us a chance to show our love for our country and its citizens...
- Because it's the RIGHT THING TO DO! Stay posted for future opportunities to be of service. And bring your ideas to our meetings!
A Very Special Thank You
If you've ever wondered about the impact of a DAR project then CLICK HERE. What you read will touch your heart!
A SNIPPET FROM OUR HISTORY
Did you know that the William Byrd Chapter, NSDAR was responsible, for over FIFTY years, for the care and upkeep of the Madison family cemetery at Montpelior, where James and Dolly Madison are buried!
Site last updated: SEPTEMBER 30th, 2022
Contact Webmaster.
Web hyperlinks to non-DAR sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.
