The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was founded on October 11, 1890, during a time that was marked by a revival in patriotism and intense interest in the beginnings of the United States of America. A group of pioneering women in the nation's capital formed an organization for women and the Daughters of the American Revolution has carried the torch of patriotism ever since. As the United States approaches America 250, a celebration of our country’s freedom, the Governor David Emanuel-Adam Brinson Chapter will periodically Celebrate one of its Daughters.
Connie Perry Page joined NSDAR in 1991 on her lineage to William Pate. Unfortunately, that line has been closed and is no longer viable for future applicants. By her own admission, Page spends many hours sitting in her recliner at home with her laptop computer conducting family research. If she’s not there, she may be in the genealogy section of a library. Genealogical research had been an occasional hobby of Page. But after she retired from the University of Georgia Extension, it became her passion. Her family sometimes complains that she spends more time with dead people than she does with living ones.
When asked about her involvement in DAR, Page shared, “Lee Greenwood expresses my deeply-rooted feelings when he sings ‘I’m Proud to be an American.’ My sweetest mother-in-love encouraged me to research my family lines and find an ancestor who met the qualifications of civil, patriotic or military service during the Revolutionary Period from April 19, 1775, to November 26, 1783. During my search, I visited a field in Turner County, Georgia which was the birthplace of my parents. I was able to find the grave of William Pate, who was then credited with service to the Revolution. Carved into the granite monument were these words: ‘Poor is the country which boasts no heroes; but beggared is the one which having them forgets.’ This quote has resonated with me since my discovery. I have made it my mission in NSDAR to find and preserve the history and lineages associated with the first American heroes, men and women who contributed to the American Revolution. It is my pleasure and a true honor to serve NSDAR as Chapter Registrar, SE District Lineage Research Committee Chairman, and a member of the GSSDAR State Application Team.”
During her 26 plus years of employment with UGA, she coordinated Emanuel County 4-H: meeting with members, recruiting volunteers, planning, coordinating, conducting, and supervising a myriad of activities for young people ages 9 to 19. In 1997 she received the William H Booth Award from the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Agents for both the Southeast District and the State. Nominees for this award must complete a rigorous application and interview process, and the state winner is named each year at State 4-H Congress in July. UGA Extension utilizes the career development ladder of UGA Public Service and Outreach. Shortly before she retired, Page was promoted to Public Service Associate, a rank comparable to that of Associate Professor.
Mary Elizabeth Woods, Regent of the Governor David Emanuel-Adam Brinson DAR Chapter, said, “Connie can be counted on to represent our Chapter at District and State Events. She has a strong commitment to DAR. We are pleased that she agreed to be the first daughter we highlight as we meet the goals of the newly formed national committee, Celebrate Daughters and its 2025-2028 National Theme: Illuminate the Legacy.”
Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman who is not less than 18 years of age, and who is lineally descended from a man or woman who, with unfailing loyalty to the cause of American Independence, served as a sailor, or as a soldier or civil officer in one of the several Colonies or States, or in the United Colonies or States, or as a recognized Patriot, or rendered material aid thereto. If you or someone you know is interested in membership, contact Mary Elizabeth Woods, Regent or Connie Page, Registrar.
