Recipients of the DAR’s Women in American History Award
By NewsPress Now
At a recent March meeting of the St. Joseph Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), four outstanding women were honored with the DAR’s “Women in American History” Award. This award honors women who have made an important difference in their communities. It is not necessary that they be members of the DAR. Those persons honored this year are Sarah Elder, Sharon Kosek, and Caroline Merrigan of Saint Joseph and Nancy Nauman of Mound City, Missouri.
Sarah Elder devoted nearly 20 years to the Saint Joseph Museum and has had a special interest in the research of historic women of this city. In September of 2019, she became the Manager of the Remington Nature Center where she continues to share her knowledge of nature and local history, frequently giving programs to local organizations.
Sharon Kosek, Ed.D, spent her working years as an educator, but continues to impact others with her service to the YWCA’s Women’s Shelter, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, the Cotillion for Achievement, the Runcie Club, the St. Joseph School District and many other local organizations. In 2018, Sharon received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the YWCA Women of Excellence program. She continues to be a mentor, encouraging other women to stretch their talents.
Caroline Merrigan, DVM, is the local DAR chapter’s Librarian and Membership Chairperson, spending many hours each week in research to find the American Revolutionary War patriots and service workers who helped the cause, finding these historic relationships which are necessary for prospective members of the DAR. She has offered workshops to help others in their family history research and also volunteers at a local genealogy library. She leads a book club for DAR chapter members who wish more information on Revolutionary War notables. She began the organizing and digitizing of the 130+ year-old archives of a local women’s group (the Runcie Club) and currently presides as president of another local St. Joseph women’s group.
Nancy Naumann, as Board Secretary for the Holt County (Missouri) Historical Society and Mound City resident, sorts and catalogues donated military records for local service personnel. As Chaplain of the St. Joseph DAR Chapter for the last four years, Nancy extensively researches and selects inspirational readings in keeping with the event’s theme. She also hand-makes a special favor reflective of the season or program for each attendee at DAR chapter meetings. Consequently, she logs over 500 service hours annually for the DAR and the historical society.
The DAR is a volunteer service organization based on lineage from someone who fought or gave aid to the patriots in the American Revolution. The DAR preserves historic buildings; provides scholarships; supports schools and develops good citizens while celebrating the exceptional events in our American history.
For further details contact Dee Dee Squires, DAR Public Relations Representative, 816-273-3648.
