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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLa Villita Chapter Recommendation, document, (unspecifed date)La Villita Chapter pW' National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Frances Shock Henry Outstanding Women in American History Award La Villita Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, honors Frances Shock Henry as the one of the 2005 Outstanding Women in American History. Frances has a distinguished history of service in DAR and in her community, has made significant contributions to promote patriotism, education about colonial life and heritage, and is a very deserving person worthy of recognition. DAR Service La Villita Chapter, NSDAR, is honored to count Frances as a member. For many years, Frances was one of the most active members of La Villita and continues today with her service. She is our eldest living past Regent. She served as Regent in 1970-72, as 1St Vice Regent, two terms as Registrar, Librarian, four terms as Treasurer, in addition to many chairmanships. Still very active, she serves as Chairman of three 2005 La Villita committees: American History - Education, American Heritage - Cultural Events & Traditions, and Lineage Research. Frances has served the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution as Organizing Secretary 1973-76, organizing 15 chapters in Texas. She served as Lineage Research Committee Chairman 1976-1979. She reorganized the Brazos De Dios Children of the American Revolution in 1970, and served as Adult President. Frances has helped many DAR members with their application papers. Her knowledge of genealogy, her experience in historical research, and her willingness to share her knowledge has resulted in many new daughters. Frances Henry, page 12 of 40 Frances Henry, Outstanding Women, page 2 of 4 Patriotism Activities Examples of her activities that distinguish her as a Women in American History and her outreach educational accomplishments are highlighted: colonial bookmarks for schools, flags to mark veterans' graves, and her story teller activities: Her work with colonial bookmarks is impressive, promoting colonial history to school children. Organized in 1981, she coordinated the Colonial Heritage program, enlisting both local DAR Chapters - La Villita and William Scott, United States Daughters 1812 Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century Chapter, and Daughters of the American Colonists, to distribute colonial history bookmarks to schools and libraries. She designed and coordinated more than 42,000 bookmarks yearly to 48 schools throughout the Brazos Valley, with over one-half million bookmarks distributed over almost 25 years. Other activities include a collection of Word Find puzzles on patriotism and genealogy, distributed to school libraries. Also, puzzles were constructed and distributed in the class room at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Through Frances' efforts, La Villita DAR members mark over veterans' graves in the College Station Cemetery on Memorial Day and Veterans Day with American flags. Cooperating were Sojourners, VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts and other groups. Frances is the key person, coordinating grave locations, preparing flags, securing volunteers to participate, contacting media for publicity, following up with the city, etc. She has networked this volunteer activity to honor veterans and remember their service for more than 20 years. In 1992, about 225 graves were marked. In 2004, 1100 graves in College Station and 25 in Independence were marked. As Chairman for La Villita's American Heritage -Cultural Events and Traditions Committee, Frances Henry has been innovative in her educational programs throughout the community. Since 1989, in colonial dress and using dolls, tools, food and other items used in colonial days as well as other visuals, Frances tells how people lived, the activities of boys and girls, and how the colonial choices impact America today. With up to 3,000 children enjoying her programs yearly, Frances visited most local school class' K through 12 and many local groups. Also, Frances serves as a Storyteller for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station. Heritage Contributions A member of a number of genealogical societies, Frances' service has placed her in the top office of each of the hereditary groups in the community. In most groups, she has Frances Henry, page 13 of 40 Frances Henry, Outstanding Women, page 3 of 4 also held state and national offices. She has served as a chapter, state, and national officer and as committee chairman of numerous committees. Additionally, she has compiled two volumes of Miscellaneous Genealogical Records, a chapter in a Family Book, and Bible Records for DAR in 1989, 120 -page book Family History book of seven generations of pictures and text. As a member of Daughters of the American Colonists, Frances was Organizing Regent of The Governors Chapter in 1977 and has held many offices and committee chairmanships. For the State Society, she served as Regent in 1985-87, as well as three other offices and Chairman of several committees. On the National Board for 17 years (through 2006), she served as National Registrar for six years, Committee Chairman of Radio/Television for three years, Archival and Preservation of Records for five - three year terms, National Microfilm Committee for three years, and prepared educational materials for their National Society. As a member of Colonial Dames XVII Century, she served two terms as President and numerous other offices and committee chairmanships. She was State Conference Chairman in 1990 and State Organizing Secretary 1993-95. As a member of United States Daughters 1812, she served two terms as chapter President, and numerous other offices and committee chairmanships. She was State Chaplain 1984-86. She is also a member of Magna Charta Dames, The Order of the Crown, Dames Court of Honor, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, and The Order of the Eastern Star. Honors Some of the honors that Frances has been recognized with include: Honorary Chapter Regent, La Villita Chapter, NSDAR, 1972 American Cancer Society, Texas Division, Media Award, 1991 Outstanding Woman of Brazos County, 1992 Freedom's Foundation Recognition at Valley Forge, 1993 Grand Dames Award for Campfollowers from National Sojourners, Inc., 2003 Personal Frances was married to Walter Keith Henry, Professor Emeritus, Meteorology, Texas A&M University, LTC, USAF Retired. Frances was a loving and devoted wife. They have Frances Henry, page 14 of 40 Frances Henry, Outstanding Women, page 4 of 4 three sons and two grandchildren. Frances chose to utilize her talents with her family, her community, the organizations she supports, and had a very successful professional career in dietetics and gave generously of herself and her time and talents. Summary La Villita Chapter 6 -058 -TX, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is pleased to honor Frances Shock Henry as our 2005 Outstanding Women in American History Awardee. Her distinguished history of service in DAR and other groups, her significant contributions to promote patriotism, and her education accomplishments about colonial life and heritage make Frances Henry a very deserving person worthy of recognition. Sincerely, Joan Powell Teer Regent Nancy Reynolds Tiner Honorary Regent Honorary State Regent Past Recording Secretary Genera Jane Watkins Cohen Honorary Regent l Mary Kathryn Briggs American History - Women Chairman Honorary Regent Past President General, ORT, 1995-97 Frances Henry, page 15 of 40