The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America- Pennsylvania

We PA Dames have been SO busy these last few days, we are behind in posting updates! We had five events since the beginning of June!

Our year-end activities always include a day-long annual board retreat, with current and past board members coming together to evaluate and strategize for the future, working to continue our mission: education, preservation, and service.

This year, we also enjoyed a special tour of Stenton with curator Laura Keim, who shared new items in the collection. We especially enjoyed Deborah Norris Logan's teapot and wedding buckles (on loan through the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel.)

A highlight was participating in the Flag Day Naturalization Ceremony, welcoming new American Citizens, at the Federal Couthouse in Philadelphia. What better way to honor our Nation's Founding?

We took our "For the Common Good" project two more places... several Philadelphia Dames joined the Lancaster/Dauphin/York county committee, who hosted a lovely cocktail party on the (rainy-day) porch at Historic Rock Ford. We had a great panel discussion with FTCG Director Andrew Ferrett & Lehigh professor Dr. Scott Gordon. (More photos to come!)

We had a great time at the Colonial PA Farmstead sharing FTCG among the free-range sheep and lovely 18th-c atmosphere, the kitchen fire from the cooking classes provided amazing smell-a-vision ambience! We were amazed by the labor-intensive "from field to fabric" demonstrations around creating linen!

And not to be missed, the "Book Club for Curious Ladies" gathered for a year-end luncheon.

We'll be taking a much-needed July break. But stay tuned for reminders for upcoming August FTGC events at the Betsy Ross House (First Friday!) & the Historical Society of PA (Paths to Liberty.)

Until then, we send best wishes for a lovely summer and safe travels! Happy Fourth of July!

We are so proud of our Board President Gina Whelan, whose work is featured in this great article on Revolutionary Era craft work:

How Artisans Are Recreating the American Revolution (Gift Article) In the spirit of 1776, these shipwrights, printers and textile workers are commemorating George Washington’s legacy through 18th-century techniques.

Mark your calendar!

The biennial Logan Awards Dinner is our most important fundraiser for Stenton and History Hunters.

For further info on our honorees, sponsorships, and all programming visit https://www.stenton.org/jameslogan-awarddinner

Stay tuned for updates!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Stenton Garden Party. We couldn't have asked for more glorious weather! (And the rain stayed away!)

PA Dames President (and award-winning textile conservator) Gina Whelan was ecstatic to see Stenton's newest acquisition, a sampler created by Deborah Norris Logan's mother, Mary Parker, in 1746.

We heard heartfelt words from History Hunters participants and received a check from our sister Dames organization, CDA Chapter II, who generously contributed to the History Hunters program.

Did you know we've had six "For the Common Good" presentations, episode viewings, or panel discussions since our kickoff on March 18th?

Our project has reached almost 400 people in the past month. Featured here:

1. In discussion at the Franklin Inn Club of Philadelphia

2. Mickey Herr receiving an award from the Penn's Grant Chapter of Colonial Dames of the 17th Century out in Malvern

3. This past Sunday at the gorgeous Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster

There are plenty more events to come! Check out the Common Good calendar
https://www.nscdapa.org/common-good

But don't miss:

Dinah Day at Stenton THIS Saturday for Dinah's Episode

June 10th, we'll be back at Historic Rock Ford for 3 episodes and a panel discussion!

The PA Dames were hosted by the Committee of 1926 at Historic Strawberry Mansion for our April Stated Meeting. We got to know each other, had lunch in the gorgeous dining room, and enjoyed a tour.

The Committee of 1926 is a group of women formed just after the Sesquicentennial which means they are celebrating their 100-year anniversary this year.

Historic Strawberry is a beautiful house in Fairmount Park, best known for its Holiday Tours. This September they will premiere an Art Exhibition: "From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color."

What do Visit Philly, the PhillyVoice, the Philadelphia Tribune, and the Inquirer all have in common?

That's an easy question!

They have all included Dinah Day in their "things-to-do" lists for THIS weekend!

See you at Stenton

Links in comments and s/o to Surefire Public Relations for getting the word out!

Look up. Look down. Look all around.

The magnolias in the garden of Latimer Street are glorious.