Day 1 of 110: Hurrah to Outstanding American History Teachers

Almost 110 years ago on February 16, 1904 Mrs. Lucy Patterson was the organizing chapter regent for a new DAR chapter founded in Winston-Salem. The chapter was originally named the Centennial Salem Chapter as initial efforts to start the chapter began during the Salem Centennial celebration. It later evolved into the Colonel Joseph Winston Chapter.

With almost 110 years of history, our chapter has participated in activities within the community to fulfill our objectives. These objectives have remained unchanged over the entire course of our history: historic preservation; promotion of education; and patriotic endeavors.

Earlier this evening at an event at the New Winston Museum, we kicked off a celebration of our chapter’s history with “110 Years in 110 Days.” During the next 110 days we’ll remember our past accomplishments, celebrate new ones, and embrace the objects of our Society. Today the journey began with an inspiring teacher.

NSDAR sponsors the Outstanding Teacher of American History contest each year. This year our chapter nominated Eric Marshall, a fifth grade teacher at London Elementary School in Stokes County. Surrounded by an exhibit at the New Winston Museum entitled “The War at Home – Exploring Winston and Salem During the Civil War,” Mr. Marshall talked about how he uses Civil War camp and battle re-enactments to underscore how history impacts our decisions and lives in the present. The event is called Camp London and has been covered by the CBS Evening News and The Saturday Evening Post.

As chapter regent, I was honored to present Mr. Marshall with a certificate from our chapter as an Outstanding Teacher. It was no surprise to learn that with his outstanding resume and unique approach to teaching history, Mr. Marshall has also been named the 2014 Outstanding Teacher of American History by NCSDAR. He will be honored at the State Conference in May for this achievement. Meanwhile, he has been nominated for the national award. (Hopefully we’ll have the answer to that question during our 110-day celebration!)

Tomorrow…American Heritage DAR Style