Our Chapter
We are a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution — a community of women who honor our nation's founding by preserving history, promoting education, and advancing patriotism in everyday life.
Since our founding on February 22, 1924 — George Washington's birthday — the Fort Chiswell Chapter has connected women across generations who share a commitment to legacy, leadership, and love of country. We are Chapter 2043 of Virginia, District IV, serving members from across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
Who We Are
We are teachers, mothers, veterans, historians, professionals, and volunteers. What unites us is a shared desire to honor our patriot ancestors and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Through service projects, student scholarships, historical preservation, and civic engagement, we carry forward the values that built this country. Our chapter includes members from across Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, and beyond — all tied together by family stories rooted in America's founding.
When We Meet
Second Thursday of each month
· 2:00 PM · September through May
Contact us for meeting location and details
Our Chapter
Preserve
Sponsor grave markings, support local historic sites, and maintain the legacy of Fort Chiswell
Educate
Organize youth contests, civic lessons, Constitution Week programs, and scholarships
Serve
Support veterans, honor first responders, partner with literacy organizations, and volunteer locally
Our Leadership
Our chapter is led by a dedicated team of volunteer officers who guide our mission of service, education, and preservation. Interested in our leadership or getting involved? We'd love to hear from you.
Ready to be part of something that matters?
A Century of Service
The Fort Chiswell Chapter has been led by dedicated women since 1924:
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1924–1926: Jean McNeil Pepper · 1926–1928: Amelia Baskerville Martin · 1928–1931: Eliza Clapp Roberts · 1931–1934: Irene King Newman · 1935–1936: Mrs. Joseph L. Kelley · 1936–1937: Amelia Baskerville Martin · 1937–1939: Lee Smith Peters · 1939–1941: Irene King Newman · 1941–1943: Pauline R. McIver · 1943–1944: Ruth Clay Jones · 1944–1945: Maude Cardwell Gilmer · 1945–1947: Janie Preston Cullop French · 1947–1949: Irene King Newman · 1949–1951: Juliet Watson Grandstaff · 1951–1954: Eliza Clapp Roberts · 1954–1956: Irene King Newman · 1956–1957: Eliza Clapp Roberts · 1957–1959: Irene King Newman · 1959–1961: Annis Ford Godbey · 1961–1962: Irene King Newman · 1962–1965: Ethel F. Foster · 1965–1969: Virginia St. Clair Freeman · 1969–1971: Edith MacMillian Hopson · 1971–1973: Amelie P. Eaves · 1973–1977: Mary Fisher Landrum · 1977–1980: Mary Cox Barnes · 1980–1982: Edith MacMillian Hopson · 1982–1986: Rosalie Hairston · 1986–1988: Edith M. Davis · 1988–1991: Annis Elizabeth Godbey · 1991–1995: Musser Watkins Warren · 1995–1998: Rosalie Hairston · 1998–2001: Mary Fisher Landrum · 2001–2007: Billie Chambers Whisnant · 2007–2010: Emily Kausch · 2010–2013: Mary Lynn Phares Connor · 2013–2016: Susan Tanner · 2016–2018: Nancy Jane Finnie Estes · 2018–2022: Sara Copenhaver Reuning