Technically yes, my daughter Madison Bella went to Congress. But there is more to this then initially meets the eye… (And it’s REALLY cool!!!)
Becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution
As I get older I realize how time is truly fleeting and I take great joy in things like family. I also get really jazzed when I learn about the characters and stories of past family members. That’s why I was all SORTS of excited when we finally became Daughters of the American Revolution.
I will tell you a gut wrenching sappy story about how it came to be another time. (Trust me, it’s a beautiful tear jerker and you won’t want to miss that…it will also make you want to go hug the nearest Grandma) but today I am super geeked to let my very pretty, very intelligent, very funny daughter tell you all about her experience at the DAR Continental Congress this past summer. Doesn’t that title sound official and lovely?
The Gilmore Girl Version
You’ll learn real quick we’re more of the Loralei and Rory persuasion around here, rather than Emily (although to be fair, Emily had a pretty great wardrobe and definitely had her shining moments…sigh…I miss Gilmore Girls)… And I am fairly certain someone stalked me in my earlier years to write the TV show although we never lived in a potting shed…
I digress…but hey, it’s pretty much how we roll and it doesn’t diminish the level of excitement and love we have in all things real life DAR!
Madison Bella was asked to be a page at the Continental Congress last June. It was SUCH an honor (and I may have been a wee bit jealous in the best of ways). We had only been DAR members for about a month and really had no idea what it was about but it sounded amazing and we in This Family are always up for a good adventure so we jumped on it! We made the arrangements and off she went! I could go on and on but I talk to you all the time on this blog. Here is a fresh and lovely and young voice for you to hear first hand what it was like.
Isn’t she fabulous? I am so lucky to watch her become the amazing young lady she is. (If you could see me right now I’m beaming!) I think our fore fathers would be proud too! We’re learning every day about them and the amazing roles they played in this country’s founding and since.
More on DAR Continental Congress
Read: Are you Descended from Pilgrims?
Read: Children of the American Revolution
Five Questions for Madison Bella
What was your favorite thing about Continental Congress? The people you meet! Every woman in attendance has their own history that they’re so proud of. Listening to my elders and their personal relationships and experiences is wonderful and teaches you SO much.
As a page, what should you pack? White! Lots and lots of white. But seriously, white, comfy, classy and interchangeable. If you intend on attending the Jr. Luncheon and or any state functions, also bring a few non-white tea dresses. Oh! And color night! I didn’t know about it till I was there so an appropriate floor length color gown. (And break in your shoes before hand! You’ll be on your feet.)
What’s an insider tip to get the most out of the congress as a participant? As a page? Talk. Be mindful and respectful. You’ll have duties and assignments but the best conversations started from holding open the door or exploring the hall. Do what you need to do, but don’t underestimate what comes from unexpected small talk.
Pages are young and often college students. How did you keep your experience cost effective? Oh boy. Roommates! Clearance clothing and hand-me-downs and borrowed pieces! Air Miles (ps. Student Universe for cheap flights!) Don’t underestimate the Page Lounge (insert Halleluia music here) and plan your meals around various functions. Also — there’s so many venues close to the hall, if you don’t bring or pack snacks, there’s always daily specials that you can grab a bite and a get a good bang for your buck. SIDE NOTE: Also — if you can, account for time off to explore D.C. and take in the history. First hand, it’s SPECTACULAR!
Would you go again? Absolutely!!!!
Really, what is This Family Blog?
This Family Blog is a passion project. Our stories focus on American Historical adventures and highlight American heritage products, experiences, and businesses we know love and trust. We share stories of ancestry and genealogy and things we feel make America a big family. We believe in being positive, being educated, and to put it simply, love. Basically, we love our country, even the ugly parts, and would love to help spark and renew that love in others. There is a beautiful word that lately has a bad rap. Patriotism. We’re hoping help it shine a little again…
Read: More About This Family
The intent of this blog is to not only share our present day adventures but to highlight the stories of our past relatives as well. Because it’s AWESOME!
We have some awesome stories coming up so please consider signing up for our email over there on the right. I send emails just once a month that highlight new stories and posts.
Read: 5 Ways to Adventure in Family History
Read: Articles About DAR
DAR Resources
Are you interested in joining the beautiful Daughters of the American Revolution? Here are some useful links to help get you started! Feel free to reach out to me too! I would be honored to help!
Daughters of the American Revolution
You must be so proud! Great job!
Thank you! I am. 🙂
Wow! What an experience she will never forget (nor will you!!). To think of all the memories she made, skills she acquired and people she met ~ truly a moment to cherish. I can only imagine how proud you are of her.
Thank you. Yes, I am indeed proud. She will do well in this world. 🙂
How exciting, what an amazing experience for your daughter (and of course you too :)! Great tips for other young ladies that will enjoy the honor of being a page too!
That’s the hope! That other young ladies will read and be inspired and get their questions answered 🙂
What a great experience!! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed
What an amazing experience! I am always a bit jealous when I read of DAR because my family is SO recent in the USA, I know we probably have no connections that far back!
There are other great genealogy groups that often partner with DAR. When did your family come over? There are civil War vet groups, Irish, Scottish, etc… I’d be happy to help sleuth a few out for you.
Good for her! That’s awesome 🙂
Yes! She learned a lot, about the country, about leadership and organization, about the power of women, and the poser of service.
What a memorable experience for an amazing young woman! I know you are so proud of her.
Thank you! I think every young person should have these opportunities so they get a hands on learning experience about their country and can make educated opinions and choices.
Wow! What an experience!
Yes! It really is something to behold.
What an amazing experience and such an inspiring interview!
I’m so glad you enjoyed and found it inspiring!!
What an amazing experience. She sounds like quite a young woman! Kudos for building a respect for our history so they can inspire our future!
EXACTLY!!!!!
What an awesome experience!
It really was. I wish all young people could have such experiences in giving service to others and to learn about our country they call home.
What an amazing experience! I love American history and this would be so neat to do. And I miss Gilmore Girls as well!
Janine, we should be friends. 😉
What a truly wonderful young lady! I know you are so proud of her, as I was just watching! Thank you for sharing a positive look at todays young people! Love this!!
Thank you! YES! I think we need to focus on positive always. And education… that’s the key to good conversation and our children are the real one only legacy we leave so hopefully we raise them to be life long learners.
Great post and love your Gilmore Girls digression!
It happens frequently…
I have thought about doing the work to join. My mother always said she qualified. It looks like a great experience!
Oh I would highly recommend it. It’s a misunderstood organization in modern society. It is based in service, many times to vets, always to our country. It is not political but extremely patriotic. My jam!
That is such a valuable experience! Thank you for sharing and congrats on getting to be a part of that!
Thank you! It was incredible and I wish all our youth could participate in such an experience. There is real value in both service and education!
You must be so proud of her!
I am 🙂
What an amazing young lady!! Such a great opportunity and learning experience. I wish her well in her future endeavors!
She is! I cannot wait to see what she does in life! Thank you for the well wishes! They will be passed on!