Mary Carroll Caton Chapter, NSDAR
Catonsville, Maryland
Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
Our chapter derives its name from Mary Carroll Caton, eldest daughter of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the spouse of Richard Caton, a young merchant from Lancashire, England, whom she married in 1787.
The Mary Carroll Caton Chapter NSDAR, organized in 1939, celebrated its sixty-fifth year in 2004. In the early years, the chapter contributed numerous volunteer hours by supporting various phases of war work, making Red Cross bandages, collecting books and magazines for servicemen, making and sending Buddy Bags to service hospitals, selling or buying stamps and providing assistance to the Ellis Island Project with immigrants.
Today, the chapter is pleased to continue many of the projects started during World War II, but with a modern twist! Mary Carroll Caton members support servicemen and women by providing homemade "Cookies for the Troops" as well as personal care items for active military personnel stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Buddy Bags are still handmade by members and filled with small gift items for veterans receiving services in Maryland VA hospitals. Children's books are donated to a local meal program for the young guests.
The Mary Carroll Caton Chapter NSDAR is pleased to promote educational excellence and to this end, sponsored Mrs. Geri Hastings, NSDAR National winner of the 2004 Outstanding Teacher of American History contest.
The Mary Carroll Caton Chapter NSDAR continues to grow each year and welcomes seven prospective members at meetings in the coming months. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about our cohesive group! New faces are welcome!