Martha Washington Chapter was organized February 23, 1893, the third chapter in the District of Columbia. It was formed by Miss Lillian Pike. Miss Pike was the Regent of the Chapter for 10 years from 1893 to 1903. During her regency, two CAR chapters were formed: the Nellie Custis Society for children under the age of 12 and the Abigail Adams Society for ages 13 to 21.
In 1912 the Chapter presented to Continental Hall a gift of a bust of Martha Washington made of fine Carrara marble. It was sculpted by Lola MacDonald Sleeth. A profile of this bust was used on the 1 1/2 cent stamp issued in 1938.
In 1916, the Chapter acquired a deed to a plot of ground surrounding DC Boundary Stone SE6, located at Southern Avenue and Wheeler Road SE. The Chapter agreed to oversee its preservation.
A copy of a letter written by Martha Washington from Mount Vernon dated December 1, 1799, was presented to the NSDAR Library on April 10, 1923.
On May 22, 1934, a bronze marker was placed in memory of Miss Hartley Graham, a Charter member and a “real daughter,” at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA. Her father, Dr. William Graham, joined the Virginia Regiment in 1778 and served throughout the war.
In 1936 the birthplace of Martha Washington was officially established as “Chestnut Grove”, about 40 miles east of Richmond, VA. In recognition of her birth on June 2, 1731, a bronze tablet was presented to the present owners of the estate, a 7th generation descendent of Martha Dandridge Washington.
During this decade, the Chapter organized the first Junior DAR group, the first such group in the District of Columbia.
In 1943, the chapter’s 50th birthday was celebrated. In this decade members volunteered hundreds of hours assisting in the World War II effort.
As membership began to decline in the 70’s and 80’s, the Chapter welcomed mergers with Continental, American and Deborah Knapp Chapters in 1980. In 1983 Col. John Donelson Chapter and in 1989 the Little John Boyden Chapter merged with the Chapter.
In 1990 a rose bush was given to the Lee-Custis Mansion (Arlington House) in Arlington National Cemetery through the efforts of our Conservation Chairman. The project, in conjunction with the State Society and National Park Service, was to rebuild the south rose garden. Eight years later the rose garden was dedicated in a ceremony coordinated by our Chapter historian.
The Martha Washington Chapter was proud to have its first Chapter member elected to DCDAR State Regent. Shari Thorne-Sulima served as State Regent during 2010-2012. Her administration theme was “Serving Our Nation’s Capital; Serving Our Country,” and featured projects promoting our unique Boundary Stones, celebrating education and literacy throughout the Nation’s Capital and serving our soldiers. Mrs. Thorne-Sulima was the first Chapter member to be elected as an NSDAR Vice President General, serving during the 2012-2015 term.
The Chapter celebrated its 120th anniversary on February 23, 2013, with a luncheon at the Mount Vernon Inn and a wreath laying at the tomb of the first “First Lady”. On May 2, 2015, the Chapter conducted a rededication of Boundary Stone SE6 following the preservation of the stone and its protective fence as part of a major effort of DDOT and the National Park Service to preserve all of the stones located in D.C. and Maryland.
The Martha Washington Chapter celebrated its 125th anniversary on February 23, 2018, and 130th anniversary on March 4, 2023, with luncheons at the Mount Vernon Inn and wreath layings at the tomb of George & Martha Washington.
Chapter member Rebecca Hough was named DCDAR State Outstanding Junior in May 2021, then honored by the NSDAR as the National Outstanding Junior member during the 130th Continental Congress in 2021. Ms. Hough was the Chapter’s first national finalist and national winner.
At the 133rd Continental Congress in June 2024, member Shari Thorne-Sulima was elected NSDAR Honorary Vice President General. Mrs. Thorne-Sulima is the Chapter’s first member elected to this position.
Chapter members actively serve their communities and the state and national societies. The Martha Washington Chapter is eagerly looking forward to the next 125 years of service to God, Home, & Country.