Local resident Dr. William D. Theriault spoke about the West Virginia GeoExplorer Project to the Pack Horse Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in the home of Patricia Toffling during the chapter’s October meeting. Hostesses included Patricia Toffling, Dorrene Hale, Marsha Krashoc, Marie Snowden and Kathy Sholl.

The GeoExplorer Project (WVGP) is a geographically based web resource used to explore the history, culture, and architecture of West Virginia and is sponsored by the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission. Jefferson County serves as the starting point for this project, but the project will later expand to include the rest of the state. The WVGP database currently contains entries of more than 1,800 marriages and 2,600 deaths published in 19th century Jefferson County newspapers. Additional volunteers are needed. More information is available at www.wvgeohistory.org.

After refreshments, upcoming chapter events were discussed. A Naturalization Ceremony to induct new citizens into the U.S.A. will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Federal Building, 217 West King Street, in Martinsburg. Celebrating the movement of the DAR Bee Line March Monument will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, 4849 Kearneysville Pike in Shepherdstown on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. A reception after the ceremony will be held at the Shepherdstown Train Station. The monument is being re-dedicated exactly 80 years from the day it was first dedicated. The public is invited.

Chair of the Conservation Committee Penny Hoeflinger reminded chapter members that Nov. 15 is Recycling Day for America. Everyone is asked to reduce waste-look at packaging before buying and buy the product with less waste. November is the month that the chapter remembers Veterans by giving small personal items to fill Christmas stockings distributed during a holiday party at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg.

Constitution Week was a huge success for the Pack Horse Ford Chapter. Committee members distributed 700 copies of the Constitution to local schools and rang the local church bells on Sept. 17. A patriotic wreath, made by member Darla Ambrose, was placed at the gravesite of James Madison during the chapter’s visit to Montpelier in Virginia. Constitution Week committee members created an attractive window display in the storefront window of Dickinson and Wait Craft Gallery in Shepherdstown. The theme of the display was “Heroes Walked Among Us”. Committee members included chairman Jane Snyder, Vonda Miller, Marie Snowden, Martha Anne McIntosh and Carolyn Bryant.

For more information about the Daughters of the American Revolution, visit www.DAR.org.