I am more than a little annoyed by the patronizing tone of various
references to the National Society of Daughters of the Revolution and the
Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union.
     Both of these organizations were founded for narrow purposes by women
whose viewpoints were no more narrow than those of most Americans of their
times. Both organizations have broadened their outlooks and sense of
purpose as the nation has matured. Both have moved from being exclusive to
being inclusive.
     The DAR Museum, which is fully accredited, mounts interesting,
penetrating and straightforward exhibitions on American history, warts and
all, especially as it relates to women of all classes and colors. Mount
Vernon is in the closing stages of a long-term makeover that seeks to
reinterpret the estate as a microcosm of Revolution-era society, with
balanced consideration of the roles of slaves and free blacks along with
subordinate whites.
     Both organizations originally were steeped in the social and racial
prejudices of their times and places. Both have overcome them. But it
should be remembered that even in the bad old days these women performed
enormous services to history by accumulating and preserving records and
artifacts that otherwise very probably would have been scattered or lost.
These materials thus are available for examination and reinterpretation by
investigators of any and all persuasions, including the snotty smartasses
being produced in such abundance by contemporary university "history"
departments.

     Hank Burchard * <[log in to unmask]> * Washington DC | USA