Submitted photo Mayor Auxer signing proclamation with Kathy Sholl, left and Patricia Toffling.

Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer signed a National Society Daughters of the American Revolution proclamation on Nov. 1, declaring the month of November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Pack Horse Ford Chapter NSDAR Regent Kathy Sholl and First Vice Regent Patricia Toffling witnessed the mayor’s signing.

The U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs reports that for nearly 100 years, Americans both Indian and non-Indian have urged there be a special place on the calendar to honor the contributions, achievements, sacrifices and cultural and historical legacy of the original inhabitants of the United States and their descendants, the American Indian and Alaska Native people.

In part, the resolution declares:

WHEREAS, the history and culture of our great nation have been significantly influenced by American Indians and indigenous peoples; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of America today; and WHEREAS, their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, community celebrations as well as numerous cultural artistic, educational and historical activities have been planned.

Those interested in learning about their own heritage, should know that the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., founded in 1896, contains over 225,000 books and 10,000 research files, plus thousands of manuscript items and special collections of African American, Native American and women’s history, genealogy and culture.

The DAR Library is free and open to the public.

DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join.

With more than 183,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.

Those who would like to learn more about the Pack Horse Ford Chapter should contact Regent Kathy Sholl at 304-876-1250 or chatty2kathy@ hotmail.com. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.