Maryland State Society DAR adds patriotic books to library collection

In commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) continued its efforts to promote and share the important history of our country’s founding by donating more than two dozen history books to the library at the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) in Baltimore.

The H. Furlong Baldwin Library at MCHC houses more than 7 million books and documents covering five centuries, ranging from early colonial and Revolutionary War documents to 21st-century materials.

The curated books MSSDAR is adding to the library’s shelves help expand the collection of titles focused on Maryland's Revolutionary War era and pinnacle moments in American history.

“Our Maryland State Society is dedicated to preserving American history and providing educational materials for public use,” said State Regent Elizabeth Deering. “The Maryland Center for History and Culture supports this mission through its exhibits and comprehensive library.”

A book dedication ceremony was held February 10, 2025 at MCHC, led by Louise Devanny, chair of the State Society’s America 250! Committee. Among the guests were members of the MCHC Board of Directors and staff, including Martina Kado, Vice President of Research and France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library; Francis O’Neill, Senior Reference Librarian; and Micah Connor, Library Associate and Student Research Coordinator.

During the dedication event, MSSDAR presented DAR's America 250! Medal and Certificate to MCHC for raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250th anniversary through its exhibits and collections. President and CEO Katie Caljean accepted the medal and certificate, saying MCHC aims to “uplift history” with planned America 250 projects, and that the new books will become “an active resource for library visitors.”

The MSSDAR book donation was financed by Celebration Grants awarded by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to four Maryland chapters: Fort Severn, Hannah Archer Till, Pleasant Prospect, and William Winchester, the members of which pooled their grant awards. Chapter leaders were present to celebrate the donation.

MSSDAR was chartered March 4, 1892 and today has 45 chapters with nearly 3,000 Maryland members. NSDAR is one of the largest women’s service organizations in the world, with over 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States, the District of Columbia, and overseas. DAR members provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities each year by promoting historic perseveration, education, and patriotism.