Iowa Society

Daughters of the American Revolution

State Librarian

The ISDAR bylaws give the following duties to the State Librarian:

1. She shall facilitate the giving of books by the chapters.
2. She shall collect books and papers which may be of genealogical and historical value for placement in the National Society Daughter of the American Revolution Library or other historical depository deeded suitable.
3. She shall coordinate the Iowa Society book club.
4. She shall maintain a list of Iowa daughters who are willing to provide programs to other chapters.
   
   

Here is how I hope to accomplish these goals.

Beginning with the Steinke Administration, the Iowa Society Daughters of the American Revolution will have a book club! We will read three or four books a year and meet either virtually or in person.

Our first meeting will be Friday afternoon, August 23, 2024, 4:00-5:00pm during Fall Forum. Our first book will be Eliza Hamilton: The Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton (https://www.amazon.com/Eliza-Hamilton-Extraordinary-Times-Alexander/dp/1501166301)

This biography of Eliza Hamilton by Tilar J. Mazzeo covers Eliza’s life from her girlhood as the daughter of Philip Schuyler, an American Revolutionary War general, to her marriage to founding father Alexander Hamilton, and through the many years of her widowhood in which she was an active philanthropist and was dedicated to preserving her husband’s legacy.

After Fall Forum a survey will be conducted to decide which book we will read next. The second meeting will be virtual and will be held in early January.

For those of you who love to read about our founding mothers and fathers and the Revolutionary War here are some sources for suggestions:

• DAR Library Book Club
  Includes reading lists and videos of previous book club discussions DAR Library Book Club Reading Lists
  
  
• Read the Revolution
  A curated collection of thought-provoking books about the American Revolution compiled by the Museum of the American Revolution. Read the Revolution
  
  
• Journal of the American Revolution
  A free online journal that publishes new research articles based on primary resources about the American Revolution and the Founding era. Journal of the American Revolution
  

There are two ways to donate to the DAR Library.

First, your chapter can buy a book to give to the DAR Library. The Library publishes a wish list of books they would like every Monday afternoon. Consider adding a standing rule in your chapter to buy a book every year!  Look at the DAR Library Wish List for more information.

Second, you can donate a family history, local history, or other genealogy or history book to the DAR Library if they do not already own it. DAR no longer accepts physical books when a freely accessible online copy is available. See further guidelines and an online donation form here: Online Book Donation Form

If you prefer to mail in a donation form it can be found here: The Most Current Donation Form

If you need help determining if the DAR Library already owns a book, please reach out to me. I can help!

Gail Bonath