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