Photos from DSDI Spring Meeting 2025

Thursday and Friday Activities (Members out and about on their own)

Bridge to Signers’ Island at the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial. Photo by Andy Keller
The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial. Photo by Andy Keller
The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial. Photo by Andy Keller
DSDI Member Stacey Bohning poses in front of a statue of her signer, John Witherspoon. The statue is located near Dupont Circle at 1298 18th S NW. Photo by Tom Bohning
New Jersey Signer John Witherspoon. The statue is located near Dupont Circle at 1298 18th S NW. Photo by Stacey Bohning
New Jersey Signer John Witherspoon. The statue is located near Dupont Circle at 1298 18th S NW. Photo by Stacey Bohning
The statue features a quote from New Jersey Signer John Witherspoon on one side. The statue is located near Dupont Circle at 1298 18th S NW. Photo by Stacey Bohning
After visiting her signer’s statue, DSDI member Stacey Bohning and her father enjoyed lunch and dessert at Tatte Bakery. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Members of the Board and guests enjoy dinner at Founding Farmers on Thursday night during the Washington, D.C., meeting.
Members of the Board and guests enjoy dinner at Founding Farmers on Thursday night during the Washington, D.C., meeting.
A historic plaque located at the Embassy of Mexico building recognizes that the building, which was part of the Seven Buildings, housed the Declaration of Independence and served as the home of President Madison. The Embassy is located at 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. History of the Seven Buildings: https://historicsites.dcpreservation.org/items/show/1265 Photo by Sheryll Albert
DSDI member Sheryll Albert points at her signer William Hooper’s signature at the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial. Photo by Harry Albert
Peggy Laubach and Bruce Laubach staff the registration table. Photo by Nancy McBride Wark
The Society is displayed on the marquee outside the room for the Board Meeting. Photo by Mary McBride
Board members and guests enjoy dinner at Chef Geoff’s on Friday night in Washington, D.C. Photo by Mary McBride
Board members and guests enjoy dinner at Chef Geoff’s on Friday night in Washington, D.C. Photo by Mary McBride

Saturday Tour

National Archives

National Archives Building Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members and guests are screened at security beneath the quote from Herbert Hoover during the laying of the building’s cornerstone in 1933. Photo by Stacey Bohning
DSDI Georgia Governor Weston Croft and Ouida Croft are all smiles after clearing security at the National Archives. Photo by Stacey Bohning
DSDI members and guests wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Stacey Bohning
DSDI members and guests wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. The cupola above shows the Declaration and Constitution murals on display in the Rotunda. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Seal set in the floor near the security check at the National Archives. Photo by Stacey Bohning
DSDI member Stacey Bohning and her father Tom Bohning wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
Peggy Laubach and DSDI Past President General Bruce Laubach wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members and guests wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI member Diane Edwards and her husband Bobby Edwards wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
The DeBell Family and guest wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members and guests wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members Anne Randolph and John Belman wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members Christina Sturgeon, Ellen Brinker, and Madelyn Sturgeon wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI member William Ward and wife Andrea Ward wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI Past President General Hope Middleton Wood, her daughter Hope Haviland Wood, and her nephew DSDI Assistant Treasurer Mid Ramsey wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
The Dent Family wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
Our National Archives tour guide shares facts about the building while DSDI members and guests wait to enter the Rotunda of the National Archives during the Saturday, April 5, tour. Photo by Mary McBride
The legend for the Declaration of Independence mural. Photo by Stacey Bohning
The Declaration of Independence on display in the National Archives Rotunda. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Tom Bohning and DSDI Member Stacey Bohning pose with the Declaration of Independence. Photo by Jean Sprietsma
The Belmans take turns reading the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives Rotunda. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Washington, D.C., Governor Laura Belman, John Belman, and Owen Belman read the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives Rotunda. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
The Belmans take turn reading the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives Rotunda. Photo by Mary McBride
Registrar General Wendy Davis-Bushey reads the names of newly approved DSDI members. Photo by Stacey Bohning
President General Nancy McBride Wark presents new DSDI member Diane Edwards with her member certificate in the National Archives Rotunda. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI Members Mary McBride and Mid Ramsey read the roll call of the signers while President General Nancy McBride Wark tallies the numbers. Photo by Stacey Bohning
DSDI Members Mary McBride and Mid Ramsey read the roll call of the signers while President General Nancy McBride Wark tallies the numbers. Photo by Andy Keller or Stephanie Nelson?
Our guide explains the Declaration’s appearance. Photo by Stacey Bohning
The National Archives Rotunda. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Descendants, spouses, family, and friends pose with the Declaration of Independence in the Rotunda of the National Archives on April 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Descendants, spouses, family, and friends pose with the Declaration of Independence in the Rotunda of the National Archives on April 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Adrienne Elliot

Congressional Cemetery

Past President General Bruce Laubach, President General Nancy McBride Wark, and Past President General Hope Middleton Wood stand behind a bench installed by the Society at the Congressional Cemetery honoring signers Arthur Middleton, Thomas Nelson Jr, William Paca, Robert Treat Paine, James Smith, and Richard Stockton. Photo by Peggy Laubach
The Society’s wreath is displayed at the gravesite of signer Elbridge Gerry. Photo by Andy Keller
The Society’s wreath is displayed at the gravesite of signer Elbridge Gerry. Photo by Mary McBride
Photo by Adrienne Elliot
President General Nancy McBride Wark and Washington, D.C., Governor and meeting host Laura Belman pose with one of our Congressional Cemetery guides. Photo by Mary McBride
DAR America 250 marker honoring Revolutionary War patriots at Congressional Cemetery. Photo by Mary McBride
The Public Vault at the Congressional Cemetery housed the deceased while waiting to be interred at their final resting place. The vault is no longer in use today. Photo by Mary McBride
Children installed a picnic table honoring their parents and giving themselves a place to sit while visiting at the Congressional Cemetery. Photo by Mary McBride
Junior member Paisley Palmer and President General Nancy McBride Wark during the Congressional Cemetery tour. Photo by Mary McBride

Library of Congress

Library of Congress. Photo by Stacey Bohning
View of the United States Capitol from the Library of Congress. Photo by Stacey Bohning
View of the United States Capitol from the Library of Congress. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Descendants, family, and guests pose for a photo in the Thomas Jefferson Library in the Library of Congress. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
The dome of the Library of Congress reading room and the “Evolution of Civilization” painted by Edwin Howland Blashfield. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller
Photo of one part of a six-part mural on the history of the book; after conservation of the mural. Depicts Arabian storyteller recounting tales to a group of Arabs. Mural marked at bottom left: Copyright by John W. Alexander. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller
Picture Writing mural in Evolution of the Book series. Photo by Andy Keller
President General Nancy McBride Wark, Georgia Governor Weston Croft, DSDI Member Mary McBride and DSDI Junior Member Paisley Palmer take a break during the Library of Congress tour. Photo by Andy Keller
President General Nancy McBride Wark, Georgia Governor Weston Croft, DSDI Member Mary McBride and DSDI Junior Member Paisley Palmer take a break during the Library of Congress tour. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller
Printing Press mural in Evolution of the Book series, by John W. Alexander. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller
Manuscript book scene in Evolution of the Book series, by John W. Alexander. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress Reading Room. Photo by Andy Keller
Egyptian hieroglyphics mural in Evolution of the Book series, by John W. Alexander. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress Reading Room. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller
Library of Congress. Photo by Andy Keller

Saturday Gala Dinner

President General Nancy McBride Wark calls the meeting to order during the Saturday night Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members and guests enjoy the Saturday night Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride
DSDI members and guests enjoy the Saturday night Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride

During the Saturday night Gala dinner, these members were recognized for attending their first DSDI meeting. From left, Jean Sprietsma, Paisley Palmer, Jenny White, Kim Simpson, Lori Franklin, John DeBell, Sr., Kriss Papendick, John DeBell, Jr.
Photo by Mary McBride
During the Saturday night Gala dinner, these members were recognized for attending their first DSDI meeting. From left, Jean Sprietsma, Paisley Palmer, Jenny White, Kim Simpson, Lori Franklin, John DeBell, Sr., Kriss Papendick, John DeBell, Jr. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
While DSDI members recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the Saturday night Gala dinner, junior member Paisley Palmer interprets the pledge into American Sign Language (ASL). Photo by Mary McBride
While DSDI members recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the Saturday night Gala dinner, junior member Paisley Palmer interprets the pledge into American Sign Language (ASL). Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Acting Chaplain Stacey Bohning recites the prayer of the Society. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Acting Chaplain Stacey Bohning recites the prayer of the Society. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
President General Nancy McBride Wark and Acting Chaplain Stacey Bohning at the Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride
During the Saturday night Gala Dinner, President General Nancy McBride Wark recognized those attending who are currently serving or had served in the nation’s military.
From left, Peter Stockett, Owen Belman, John DeBell, Sr., Bruce Laubach, Jared Tate, Marianne Brinker, Sheryll Albert, Tom Bohning
Photo by Mary McBride
During the Saturday night Gala Dinner, President General Nancy McBride Wark recognized those attending who are currently serving or had served in the nation’s military. From left, Peter Stockett, Owen Belman, John DeBell, Sr., Bruce Laubach, Jared Tate, Marianne Brinker, Sheryll Albert, Tom Bohning Photo by Adrienne Elliot
The DSDI Executive Board pose for a ohoto. From left, Assistant Secretary General Sara Nelson, Secretary General Marianne Brinker, Treasurer General Scott Lewis, First Vice President General Andy Keller, President General Nancy McBride Wark, Registrar General Wendy Davis-Bushey, Historian General Stephanie Nelson, Assistant Registrar General Jamie Singer, Assistant Treasurer General Mid Ramsey. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
DSDI Governors pose for a photo with the President General. From left, Georgia Governor Weston Croft, Delaware Governor Morgan Shank, Maryland Governor Madelyn Sturgeon, President General Nancy McBride Wark, Virginia Governor Stephanie Nelson, Massachusetts Governor Ellen Brinker, Connecticut Governor Duke Beecher, North Carolina Governor Sheryll Albert, Washington D.C. Governor Laura Belman, Governor At Large Stacey Bohning. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
President General Nancy McBride Wark and Washington D.C. Governor and meeting host Laura Belman offer the traditional toasts of the Society and invite members to offer their own. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
President General Nancy McBride Wark recognizes meeting host and Washington D.C. Governor Laura Belman for planning an excellent meeting during the Saturday night Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride
President General Nancy McBride Wark presents the Patriot Award to Past President General Hope Middleton Wood during the Saturday night Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride
Washington, D.C, Governor and meeting host Laura Belman, Murray Belman, and President General Nancy McBride Wark at the Gala Dinner. Photo by Mary McBride
Past President General Hope Middleton Wood receives the Patriot Award from President General Nancy McBride Wark. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Massachusetts Governor Ellen Brinker and North Carolina Governor Sheryll Albert give the Signers Wives Plaque Committee report. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Past President General Bruce Laubach announces a new series of DSDI Challenge Coins will be available soon. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Treasurer General Scott Lewis gives his report during the Gala Dinner Saturday night. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Gala Dinner guest speaker Matthew Costello, from the White House Historical Association, details the founding of the association and its history. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Gala Dinner guest speaker Matthew Costello, from the White House Historical Association, details the founding of the association and its history. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Centerpieces for the Gala Dinner. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Past President General and Patriot Award Recipient Hope Middleton Wood, President General Nancy McBride Wark, Past President General and Patriot Award Recipient Bruce Laubach. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
President General Nancy McBride Wark holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
DSDI Member and first time attendee Lori Franklin holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
Hope Haviland Wood, Past President General Hope Middleton Wood, Assistant Treasurer Mid Ramsey, President General Nancy McBride Wark. Photo by Adrienne Elliot
DSDI Member Stacey Bohning and her father Tom Bohning. Photo by?
DSDI Members Stacey Bohning and Jean Sprietsma, both from St. Louis, Missouri, pose together. Photo by ?

Sunday Activities (Members out and about on their own)

Scale model of the White House at the People’s House Museum, located at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Visitors explore models of the different rooms of the White House at the People’s House Museum. Photo by Stacey Bohning
A projection on a wall gives the illusion that visitors to the People’s House Museum are actually standing in the White House. Photo by Stacey Bohning
A mural on a window at the People’s House Museum depicts a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. Photo by Stacey Bohning
DSDI member Stacey Bohning poses in front of the Cherry Blossom Tree mural at the People’s House Museum. Photo by Tom Bohning
An exhibit at the People’s House Museum gives the illusion that visitors are guests attending a State Dinner hosted at the White House. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Visitors to the People’s House Museum explore a replica of the Oval Office, which includes the Resolute Desk. Photo by Stacey Bohning
Visitors explore the replica Oval Office at the People’s House Museum. Photo by Stacey Bohning

Can't find what you're looking for?