Mr. Jefferson stars at DSDI meeting in Charlottesville

Thomas Jefferson was the highlight of DSDI’s spring meeting in Charlottesville, Va., March 31-April 2. More than 80 DSDI members, spouses and guests enjoyed the beautiful environs as they explored colonial history and the contributions of a Founding Father.

The Board of Governors convened Friday afternoon at the Boar’s Head Inn, the site of the spring gathering. Led by President-General Hope Middleton Wood, the governors and officers received updates on the Society’s affairs. Registrar-General Jim Alexander reported that we have 1,179 senior members and 216 junior members. Treasurer-General Johnny Alexander updated the board on finances (his report is in this issue of Spirit). Jill Haimes reported 77 applications for scholarships this year, with scholarship awards to be announced at the Annual Congress in Philadelphia.

Rieman McNamara, past President-General, presented a resolution approved by the board honoring Grace Staller for more than 45 years of service to the Society. Grace has been a key player in the annual Bell-Ringing ceremony at Independence Hall and has served valiantly as chair of our Projects Committee, working for many years to place DSDI plaques at the gravesites of all 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

DSDI participants had dinner Friday night at the Greencroft Club. The next morning, they toured Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello, then convened for the general meeting in the Rotunda of the University of Virginia, Mr. Jefferson’s creation. The group toured the Grounds of the university, including the special collection on the Declaration.

In the evening, the Society had dinner at the Boar’s Head Inn and heard an insightful talk by Coy Barefoot, author, professor and journalist specializing in the colonial history of Virginia.

The entire weekend was organized by Laurie Croft, past President-General, who arranged a wonderful experience for the Society in an historic setting.