The Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR) met from April 27 to 29 for its 126th annual State Conference at the Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Conference Center. Pennsylvania state regent Marguerite Fritsch of Landisville presided over the conference. Her state theme is "Love of Service to God, Home, and Country." Her state project is the restoration and preservation of Old Swedes Cemetery, Chester, where John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is buried.

Several members of Lancaster's Donegal-Witness Tree DAR were on hand for the conference. In attendance were Suzanne Whallon, regent; Mary "Sue" McClure, past regent; M. Ann Grove, director; Rebecca Rinehard, recording secretary; Cheryl Weaver, historian; Ann Carter, registrar and parliamentarian; Carol Elfner, chaplain; Nancy LeFevre, corresponding secretary; Elizabeth Miller; and new members Donna Statkus, Kathryn Raffensperger, and Barbara Searles.

The conference kicked off with a welcome dinner on April 27. Then members gathered to hear author Laurance Cook, a nationally recognized presidential historian, talk about his book, "Symbols of Patriotism: First Ladies and Daughters of the American Revolution." After this, junior members hosted an "April Madness" party for which attendees were encouraged to wear attire from their favorite sports teams. Next, attendees participated in a trivia challenge.

Kathleen Zinskie, PSSDAR state chair of national defense, organized the April 28 veterans' luncheon supporting the work of the United Service Organizations (USO), which aims to provide comfort care and a feeling of "home away from home" for the U.S. armed forces. Attendees were asked to bring lunch boxes for children of military families and to participate in "Rucksacks to Backpacks," a program that helps veterans by providing essential school supplies to their children. Speakers included Jenna Price, USO Central Pennsylvania Center operations and programs manager, and Capt. Kristopher Reed, assistant professor of military service with Blue Mountain Battalion ROTC. In addition, a "Missing Man Table" reminded attendees of fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. military service members. Immediately after the luncheon, the backpacks and lunch boxes were collected by representatives of the military so they could be distributed to the appropriate families.

Lancaster Donegal-Witness Tree Chapter hosted a "Spring Into Historic Lancaster" themed dinner on April 28.

The conference also included business sessions, educational workshops, a luncheon organized by the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), and a Celebration of Life service at St. John's United Methodist Church in Paradise.

Awards were presented, as well. Among the winners was Carolyn Bausinger of the Donegal-Witness Tree Chapter, who was the runner-up for Volunteer Information Specialist of the Year.

The 2023 conference chair was Barbara Bechtel Cross, and the general chair of the conference was Susan Gillette Meer. Guests included Rebecca Kline, state regent of Kansas; Carolyn Nutt, state regent of Massachusetts; Laurie Nesbitt, state regent of Virginia; and Lynne Stallcop, national chair, conservation, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).

The NSDAR is a women's service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. DAR take part in volunteer service and projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. To learn more, visit http://www.dar.org.