By Carrie Anne Hilmer and Michael G. Williams
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Alot of times, an appreciation of heritage depends on an understanding of history. The Sons, Daughters, and Children of the American Revolution are a testament to this. All direct descendants of Revolutionary War participants, their members work to preserve the history and traditions arising from the nation’s beginnings.
Barbara Carpenter and Michael Tomme followed this path only to discover that their work also led to a passionate dedication of handing down our nation’s heritage.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
The DAR’s 165,000 members work on various committees to preserve American historic sites, map patriots’ genealogy, educate younger generations, and recognize Americans for their contributions to our country.
Carpenter, who started out as a member of the Children of the American Revolution, joined the Daughters in 1972 and now serves as the Maryland state regent. She is a third-generation Daughter of the American Revolution and, as head of the Maryland chapter, follows in her mother’s footsteps.
They are the first mother-daughter state regents in the history of the organization which Carpenter says, "has done a lot to strengthen our relationship. It’s fun to share ideas and get her opinion."
"As a third generation member, I knew my grandmother had about ten relatives who were revolutionaries," she says. "My mom and I continued her research and helped my sister research my father’s family who reside in Virginia. We have proven 20 ancestors on his side."
Carpenter notes that a recent genealogical discovery revealed as many as three family members involved in one of the only known Revolutionary War spy rings in the Mid-Atlantic.
"The couple we discovered ran a store and tavern in Virginia and the wife would ply British soldiers with drinks and learn of their orders, then tell her husband in the store next door where he would relay the information to scouts," she explains.
"If we don’t keep this history alive, who will?" Carpenter asks.