DAR America 250! Commendation Awarded to Thano Schoppel

The Polly Cooper Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was pleased to present Thano Schoppel the DAR America 250! Commendation Award on February 1, 2025. The award recognizes individuals (non-DAR members) and groups that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to not only honor the men and women who achieved American Independence, but also to educate others about their service and sacrifice.

Thano Schoppel currently serves on the Town of Orangetown Historical Areas Board of review, is a member and past President of the Tappantown Historical Society and is a Revolutionary War reenactor.

Kim McCrea, chair of the chapter’s Historic Preservation Committee, presented the award to Schoppel at the conclusion of a tour he gave to the Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR on behalf of the Tappan Historical Society. The private tour focused on the buildings and events surrounding the capture, trial and execution of Major John Andre, beginning at General George Washington's headquarters in the DeWint House, proceeding through the town with a stop at the Reformed Church of Tappan and concluding at the 76 House.

Throughout the tour, Schoppel's enthusiasm for Revolutionary War history was apparent as was his love of teaching (his previous profession as a schoolteacher and educator was evident). Schoppel discussed George Washington's headquarters being in use when Benedict Arnold, commander of the Fort at West Point, committed treason. He explained how British Major John Andre, returning to the New York City from meeting Arnold at Haverstraw, was apprehended in Tarrytown with the plans of West Point in his boot and was brought to Washington at Tappan. Andre was imprisoned in Mabie's house (now the Old 76 House), tried in the Dutch Reformed Church, and hanged as a spy on October 2, 1780.

The Polly Cooper Chapter Regent spoke of how incredible it was to be able to walk on the same floorboards and see the actual coat hooks used by these historic figures. She stated, "It is incredibly important to remember our Revolutionary Patriots on the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary."

Thano Schoppel embodies the objective of this America 250! Commendation Award, by educating others about the service and sacrifice of our Patriot ancestors. His commitment to preserving the history of Tappan, particularly the Revolutionary History of the area, has proven him to be a deserving recipient of this award.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (dar.org) is a non-profit, non-political women’s service organization founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States. Since its founding, more than one million women have pursued service to their communities and lasting friendships through their DAR membership.

Polly Cooper is a local NSDAR Chapter, and our service projects support education and literacy, historic preservation, conservation, veterans and active-duty service members, genealogy research, naturalization ceremonies for new citizens, and more. Now is the time to discover if you have an American Revolutionary ancestor as our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. For more information about Polly Cooper Chapter's activities and membership, please email the chapter at info@pollycooperdar.org or call (914)-458-1692.