The 76-year-old Gainesville Chapter was organized by Mrs. Roberta Lee Purse Haile, Organizing Regent, along with twelve charter members.  As of July 1, 1997, our membership totals one hundred and forty-five.  Annually, contributions have been made to state and national projects.  The objectives of NSDAR- historic, educational and patriotic-have been met through our programs with many interesting speakers.
        Proclamations from the Mayor-Commissioner of the City of Gainesville for Constitution Week and American History Month, are received annually.  There have been radio spot announcements on patriots and documents as well as interviews promoted by DAR and coverage in The Gainesville Sun and The Cross Country Dispatch.
        The Constitution Luncheon, sponsored by the Gainesville Chapters of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, is held annually.  September 1997, was the fifth year they have met jointly, alternating the duties of planning.
        The Gainesville Veterans Administration Hospital is supported by our Chapter with a monthly donation to cover light refreshments which are served to new patients and their families when they arrive on Saturday.  Toiletries, stationery, and personal items are collected and distributed also.  Canceled stamps are collected for the veterans to use in making collages.  Carmen Smyth is our VAVS representative and has also accepted the responsibility of District Representative.  Ruth Ernsberger is our Deputy Representative.
        Quarterly our Naturalization Chairman along with two or three assistants attend the Naturalization Ceremonies held in Gainesville at the Federal Building.  Our chapter provides The DAR Manual for Citizenship to each aspiring citizen and a small flag to each new citizen.  Following the ceremonies, there is a reception for the new citizens (about 30 or more men and women) and their families who enjoy the refreshments that we have provided.
        In 1968 we started awarding ROTC medals to University of Florida students and added high school JROTC to our program in 1983.  Each April we award three Gold Medals to UF students and five Bronze Medals to high school students.
        DAR schools Kate Duncan Smith and Tamassee are supported by our Chapter with gifts of clothing, soup labels, and cash.
 

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