From left are Linda Kuzara, Bonnie Larkin, Lisa Sedlemayer, Teresa Wilde, Roxanne Wood, Brenda Johnson, Carol Abell, Elizabeth Mourer, Deborah Cenni and Phyllis Noble.

The Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met recently at the Patterson Library in Westfield.

The opening ceremony was conducted by Regent Bonnie Larkin. The President General’s Message was read by Roxanne Wood. The DAR celebrated March as Women’s History month. The National Defense Message was read by Carol Abell celebrating 16 year old Sybil Ludington’s 1777 ride to warn 400 militiamen that the British were coming. Abell said the female Paul Revere is one of the unrecognized heroes of the Revolutionary War.

Secretary Linda Kuzara presented the minutes from the meeting November 2, 2023. Several thank you cards were received. Elizabeth Mourer motioned with Brenda Johnson second and the minutes were approved and filed.

In the absence of Treasurer Deborah Langebartel, Regent Larkin gave the treasurer’s report, and in the absence of Barbara Pietro, registrar, Larkin reported that three new members have been approved and will have induction in June.

Chapter Historian Brenda Johnson shared a certificate given to the chapter acknowledging the donation of tea, which was thrown into Boston Harbor, on Dec. 16, 2023, during the 250th celebration and reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. There were 11,000 organizations involved in the event. Also, June 4, 2025, will be the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Fredonia. Celebrations are being planned for the event next year.

The Patriot Minute was presented by Regent Bonnie Larkin about Private Samuel Munson, Antoinette Sherman’s patriot. He lived from July 9, 1762 to February 27, 1841. Munson enlisted several times during the Revolutionary War. He married Margaret Burns, had nine children, and moved to Portland, New York. In 1828 he built a new house there and is buried in the Portland Cemetery.

The next meeting will be on April 4 at the Patterson Library in Westfield at 1 p.m.