The History of the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, NSDAR 

Organized in Litchfield on November 17, 1899, the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, NSDAR, began as an adjunct of the Judea Chapter, NSDAR, in Washington, Connecticut.  Our Organizing Regent, Mrs. Elizabeth Barney Buel, along with 26 chapter members, worked together to form the chapter that we have come to know and love today as a thriving and vibrant community of dedicated DAR Daughters here in Connecticut's northwest corner. 

Revitalization efforts of our hardworking members through the decades have helped keep our chapter functioning successfully in reaching our organization's goals of promoting history, education and patriotism. One of the most memorable projects the chapter has undertaken was the installation of the beautiful stained glass window in the Litchfield Historical Society building facing the Congregational Church across from East Park in 1907. It involved raising a considerable amount of money, in which the DAR and many Litchfield residents participated. A beautiful work of art by Frederic Crowninshield, the window is dedicated to the men of Litchfield town and county who served in the American Revolutionary War. It is especially spectacular when illuminated at night. The window depicts a winged youth with drawn sword in his right hand and a branch of laurel in his left. It is a location not to be missed when visiting Litchfield.

Another highlight in our chapter's history took place in 1912. A member compiled a list of local individuals honored as Patriots and published the Honor Roll of Revolutionary Soldiers of Litchfield County.  There were many distinguished guests from throughout the state and nation in the group of 200 who attended the dedication ceremony when the chapter presented the book to the National Society. 

In 1976, members of the chapter made another valuable contribution to the records of American Revolutionary War soldiers of Litchfield County by publishing a Register of Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Litchfield County in commemoration of the bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This book is still available by contacting members of the chapter.

September 8, 1934, a boulder was placed on the former site of the Miss Pierce’s Female Academy on North Street, which was presented by the chapter to the Litchfield Historical Society. Due to stormy weather, the ceremony was held in the Congregational Church.

Our chapter is involved at present in many programs at the town, state and national levels. We sponsor four scholarships at the local level for students graduating from Litchfield High School: Schute Award (Social Studies), Buell Award (Social Studies), Balsalvage-Woodwood Award (English) and the Joyce Cropsey Award (Mathematics). We also have a beautiful ceremony each year when we give the DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship to seniors of Lakeview High School, Housatonic Valley Regional High School and The Forman School, with tea and delicious refreshments served.

A flag is donated each year locally to the firehouse, the borough, the town hall, the Connecticut Junior Republic, etc. Clothes and donations of money are given each year to the DAR-sponsored schools in Georgia and Alabama. The Oliver Ellsworth House in Windsor, which is owned by Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution (CTDAR), also receives support from the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, NSDAR, as does the Jonathan Trumbull House in Lebanon.

The Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, NSDAR, is proud of having initiated the annual tributes to Oliver Wolcott, signer of the Declaration of Independence for Connecticut, and Mary's husband Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge in East Cemetery every Fourth of July. We are joined by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) and representatives of the Litchfield and Bantam American Legion posts, plus the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment.

In 1976 for the commemoration of the national bicentennial, we placed a bronze plaque on the grave of Mary Floyd Tallmadge in East Cemetery. Mrs. Tallmadge died at the age of 41, leaving her husband and children.

The Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, NSDAR, has a bright future and is always looking to warmly welcome new members. With assaults on our flag both here and abroad, it is more important than ever for America to keep the spirit of patriotism and love of country alive. 

(Written by Gertrude O'Donnell for the chapter's 100th Anniversary in 1999.)

Interested in joining? Contact us today!

Photos courtesy of chapter archives.