A Brief Introduction to The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
The organization has been built on three main focuses: Historical Preservation, Education, and Patriotism. We strive to contribute in each of these mission areas in ways that move us forward, similar to how we have moved forward in astronomy as seen in the images below. In tribute to Maria Mitchell, the first female astronomer, we honor both the history of DAR and look forward to shaping its future.
Maria Mitchell’s original telescope reminds us of the importance of preserving our history.
The Hubble Telescope has spent years reminding us of the importance of continuing our education.
The James Webb Space Telescope inspires great patriotism when considering its innovative technology.
About the Namesake
Maria Mitchell was born on August 1, 1818, and died June 28, 1889; she grew up in Massachusetts where her father was the principal of the local school. He encouraged equality, especially intellectual equality between men and women. He encouraged Maria’s passion for astronomy; when she was 12 years old they calculated the exact moment of an annual eclipse.
In adulthood, Maria worked as the librarian of the Nantucket Atheneum, where she was able to study mathematics, navigation, and astronomy. In the evenings she would look at the night sky with a telescope and in 1947, she discovered a new comet – “Miss Mitchell’s Comet.” For this discovery, she was awarded a gold medal from the King of Denmark. Maria gained international attention for her work in astronomy; some of her accolades include being the first woman elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Philosophical Society. In 1865, she became the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College; here she fought for a salary comparable to her male counterparts and promoted women through the foundation of the Association for the Advancement of Women (AAW)[1].
[1] Heinemann, Sue. The New York Public Library Amazing Women in American History
Contact Maria Mitchell Chapter, NSDAR
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Maria Mitchell Chapter, NSDAR 