The monthly meeting of the Pemaquid Chapter, NSDAR, took place Thursday, Dec. 11, at the American Legion Hall #36 in Boothbay. Attendees, in person and by Zoom, were Nancy Chick, Tammy Cruickshank, Grace Folger, Marty Helman, Audrey Miller, Kristen Mogensten, Pat Porter, Diane Randlett, Jessica Tukey, and Dawn Watson. The meeting began with the Opening Ritual. 

Highlights of the meeting included Diane Randlett sharing a conversation with Jennifer Bridges, a Native American and sister of the late David Moses Bridges, a Native canoe maker from Portland. The Bridges and Chapter daughter, Neana Neptune, are descended from Francis Joseph Neptune and Captain Selmore Soctomah. Both men were instrumental in winning the Battle of the Margaretta in Machias on June 11 and 12, 1775. She shared a YouTube link about David Moses Bridges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JK04E5NCMM 

Pat Porter, who is also a member of the Old Bristol Historical Society, reported on a joint project between Bristol Consolidated School and The Carpenter’s Boat Shop to build an Arnold Expedition replica "bateau"—a flat-bottomed boat used in the 1775 Benedict Arnold expedition. Middle school students from Bristol Consolidated School traveled weekly to The Carpenter's Boat Shop to work on the boat. The project commemorates the 250th anniversary of Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec through the Maine wilderness. The boat will be launched in 2026 and is currently being stored at the Historical Society’s Mill. Pat also shared that she and her husband were involved in a serious car accident in June that has limited her participation in recent activities. 

Tammy Cruickshank shared her connection to the Colburn house in Pittston and how she makes award-winning porcupine quill baskets. 

Nancy Chick reported on her four-year journey creating her own version of the famous Mrs. Billings’ Coverlet. This quilt pattern is considered a masterpiece of English patchwork for its complexity, fabric choice, and pristine condition. It is thought to have been made between 1805–1810 and consists mainly of dress prints and furnishing fabrics dating back to the 1770s. Nancy won a national award for her quilt. Martha Stewart has a blog about Nancy’s quilt. Here is the link: https://www.themarthablog.com/2025/03/a-guest-blog-from-judy-morris-on-a-four-year-quilting-project.html 

A card was sent to member Mary Lee Merrill, who turned 100 years old on Dec. 6. 

Marty Helman shared her family’s history of DAR involvement and her own connection to the Minutemen. Audrey highlighted Ellen Newton’s new TV show on Boothbay TV called “Relatively Speaking.” The show will focus on interviewing people in the Boothbay region about their history and roots. 

The meeting ended, and those present enjoyed a potluck luncheon and a “Favorite Things” gift swap. 

The communities in Lincoln County are full of people writing books, giving talks, and creating exhibits that continually explore the rich history of our region. The stories of our ancestors and veterans are cherished and respected. The Pemaquid Chapter, NSDAR, has been in existence for 93 years. Our chapter daughters are creative, charitable, energetic, and hard-working. 

This year, we recognized four high school seniors with Good Citizen Awards in local high schools and wrote holiday cards to veterans and active military. We collected supplies for Maine women and men veterans; planted pollinator gardens; put displays in store windows highlighting historical events; and supported Wreaths Across America, selling wreaths for placement in Arlington National Cemetery. We also packed and distributed backpacks filled with school supplies for area school children; thanked veterans for their service with cards, flags, and food; cleaned up cemeteries and the Blue Star Memorials; volunteered at local non-profits; helped people trace their ancestry; drew attention to Constitution Week in schools, libraries, and newspapers; assisted with literacy programs; and donated clothing to women’s shelters and thrift shops. We donated money to help send a veteran on an Honor Flight. We also sent an unspecified number of books and personal supplies to Togus and volunteered hours that have not yet been logged. 

I know that our members have contributed toward the DAR goals of patriotism, preservation, and education in quiet ways behind the scenes that may not be recorded. I am grateful to all for your dedication, your generosity, and your friendship. May the reflections of this year bring you a sense of purpose, love, and connection. 

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is one of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world. DAR has close to 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships, and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service, and more. For additional information about DAR and its mission, visit www.dar.org or contact the Regent of the Pemaquid Chapter in Lincoln County, Audrey Miller, at 207-380-9705 or audrey@cottageconnection.com.