Museum Hosts District Meeting of Daughters of the American Revolution

Pickens County was buzzing with excitement when more than 65 history enthusiasts from four neighboring counties swarmed the Pickens County Museum where the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held their District One meeting.

“It’s just the perfect place to have it,” said Harriet Nash, District One Director who arranged for the meeting to be held in the museum. District One includes 11 chapters from Pickens, Anderson, Greenville and Oconee Counties, representing 744 members of the 4,379 members in the state.

The museum, located at 307 Johnson Street in Pickens, was originally built in 1903 as a jail and was completely remodeled in 2006. It contains artifacts that represent the heritage of Pickens County, from prehistory to current events. There are also three art galleries that feature the artwork of local artists. Admission to the Pickens County Museum is free.

Nan Jones, Regent of the Walhalla Chapter, said “this museum is really unique because it contains the history of the people and events in and around Pickens County, it’s personal.” The Walhalla Chapter, with 91 members, recently sponsored a golf tournament that raised more than $35,000 for Tamassee DAR School. The school was established in 1919 by SC DAR. Tamassee School supports children and families in crisis through residential, educational and outreach services.

After a tour of the museum exhibits, the group gathered in the private meeting room for lunch where Dorothy (Dot) Lind, South Carolina State Regent, presented awards to the chapters who excelled in meeting DAR goals for the year. Lind’s goal was met with the completion of the South Carolina Cottage at Tamassee which was beautifully renovated to accommodate overnight guests. “The Cottage parlor also makes a wonderful venue for special occasions, such as receptions and weddings,” she said.

Lind also reported that South Carolina hosted a Dessert Extravaganza to thank Tamassee supporters during Continental Congress in Washington, DC which was attended by more than 200 guests from across the nation.

Una Welborn arranged for a tour of the Hagood-Mauldin House following lunch. Welborn, a member of the Fort Prince George Chapter and a docent at the Hagood-Mauldin House, noted that Mrs. Mauldin had been a founding member of the Fort Prince George Chapter and had also served as South Carolina State Regent. The Fort Prince George Chapter meets in Easley.

Wayne Kelley, vice president of the Pickens County Historical Society, described the significance of the home built in 1856 and owned by James Earle Hagood and, later, Judge Thomas J. Mauldin.

The classic Greek Revival home holds a collection of 17th and 18th century art and antiques accumulated by Mrs. Irma Hendricks Morris. Morris was a descendent of Revolutionary War heroes, Moses Hendricks and Capt. John Anderson.

“This was just such an enjoyable day,” said Julia Barnes, Regent of the Hudson Berry Chapter in Anderson.

DAR is a non-profit, non-political women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education for children. Founded in 1890, it is headquartered in Washington, DC. If you are interested in learning more about joining DAR, please contact Lynda Abegg at 850-3071.