The Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter, NSDAR was contacted by the Hawley Society Regent Jeaneen Buchanan was invited to attend the 100th Anniversary Hawley Society Reunion in Newtown on September 29, 2023 at the Edmond Town Hall, which was a gift from Mary E. Hawley.
The Society had close connections with the Mary Silliman Chapter. Members of the Mary Silliman Chapter were present at the September 12, 1924 Annual Gathering of the Society of the Hawley Family, Inc. at Bridgeport, CT. According to the program it was an “opportunity to renew old friendships, to become acquainted with various members of the Hawley family who may be present, and to review family history and traditions.” Now, almost 100 years later our DAR Chapter was again a part of the Hawley reunion.
The Hawley Society was founded in 1923 in Bridgeport and brings together the descendants of a common ancestor, Joseph Hawley. Jeaneen Buchanan, Regent of the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter, NSDAR spoke about the 1924 Mary Silliman Chapter Regent Mrs. Frederick Stevens’ appearance at the dedication of the Village Cemetery gates given by Mary Hawley and now Regent Buchanan’s appearance at the 100th reunion completed a DAR circle of connection.
Regent Buchanan explained the DAR 3 pillars of our mission and how the Hawley Society is advancing historic preservation through their honoring of their ancestors. This event also served as a reminder to the public of the 250th anniversary of our country and meshed with the DAR goal to bring awareness of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Most of the Hawley women members were eligible for membership in DAR. Five ladies in attendance are DAR members. After hearing Regent Buchanan speak, one of the Hawley women approached her and said Ms. Buchanan inspired her to become a member of DAR.
Regent Buchanan thanked Linda D. Hawley, President, Society of the Hawley Family, Inc. for the opportunity to participate.
The DAR perpetuates the memory and spirit of the men and women who won American independence. Any woman who is lineally descended from an ancestor who aided the patriot cause during the American Revolution may be eligible to join. The DAR is a nonprofit lineage society focused on historical preservation, community education and patriotism. For more information visit www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution asks everyone to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America and the Patriots that achieved American Independence. For more information visit https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/
