Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate Constitution Week with library displays

The officers of the Dubois County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Huntingburg Library Constitution Week display. Front from left: Margaret Wagner of Jasper, Treasurer and Vice-Regent, Jenny LaGrange of Jasper, Registrar, and Linda Messmer of Jasper, Regent. Back from left: Angela McDonald of Huntingburg, Secretary, Wilma Runyan of Huntingburg, Chaplain, and Cherie Baxter of Chandler, Indiana State Recording Secretary.

The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, 228 years ago, and each year, the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate Constitution Week from September 17 to September 23.

Linda Messmer, regent for the Dubois County Daughters of the American Revolution, creates displays in each of the county’s libraries comprised of items she has collected commemorating the Constitution.

In 1955, Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress to set aside those dates annually to be dedicated to the observance of Constitution. It was signed into public law on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The goal of the week is to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution; to inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and to encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The Dubois County Daughters of the American Revolution group has about 30 members who meet actively about 9 times a year (they take the summer off). Those interested in membership can contact Regent Linda Messmer at 812-482-4086 or Vice-Regent Margaret J. Wagner at 812-661-2443 for more information.