About Us
The Doña Ana Chapter NSDAR was organized under the name of Alice Adams Ripley on November 13, 1948.
Three years later the name was changed to Doña Ana (Madam Anna) to fit more with the southwest area. Folklore states, Madam Ana was an early resident of the village of Doña Ana, New Mexico, and apparently helped the sick, orphaned, and poor. Not much is known about her or where she came from, but she left her mark in the village and
Doña Ana County.
Our first regent was Permelia E. Tede, also one of the organizing members.
There were 27 charter members.
Until recent years the chapter sponsored the American History Essay contest,
rewarding the winners with a United States Savings Bond or a cash award.
The DAR Good Citizens Award has been awarded to high school seniors from
approximately 10 high schools in the area.
For nearly 50 years, the chapter has purchased DAR grave markers for our deceased members
through generous donations by chapter members.
In 1982, Mr. Edward Haines was sponsored by Doña Ana Chapter NSDAR to become the first history teacher to be honored by the state organization. Mr. Haines taught at Lynn Middle School, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and was very active with the students in the American History essay contests.
We are honored to have had four ladies carry the title honorary state regent:
Sara Elmendorf, 1963 – 1965; Blanche N. Goldsmith, 1987 – 1989;
Guylyn Nusom, 1997 – 1999; and Georgianna McDougle, 2017 – 2019.
A few of our past projects have included bus fare money collected for veterans,
books for the literacy program, DAR schools, DAR Good Citizen Award, ROTC awards,
and the Patriot Records Project.
Contact us for more information.