General Perry Benson Chapter DAR Celebrates America250
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is dedicated to the principles of historical preservation, education, patriotism, literacy, and community service. Founded on October 11, 1890, by four visionary women, the DAR is the world’s largest lineage-based service organization, united under the motto God, Home, and Country.
The General Perry Benson Chapter, serving Talbot, Caroline, and Queen Anne’s counties, was founded by fourteen local women and officially chartered on April 17, 1965. The chapter is named in honor of General Perry Benson (1757–1827) of Easton, Maryland, who served during the Revolutionary War and later helped defend St. Michaels during the Battle of St. Michaels in the War of 1812.
Chapter Installs Little Free Library
DAR members and partners stand in front of the General Perry Benson Little Free Library.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community outreach, the General Perry Benson Chapter recently completed a literacy-focused project with the installation of a custom-built Little Free Library on the grounds of the St. Michaels Museum, located at the corner of St. Mary’s Square and East Chestnut Street. The library was unveiled during a brief ceremony held in conjunction with the Fourth of July Children’s Parade at the museum.
The celebration included a parade led by Maggie, a 1926 antique red fire truck, with DAR chapter member Jo Storey serving as Grand Marshal. Storey rode aboard the fire truck alongside chapter librarian Lisa H. as the parade traveled down Talbot Street, returned through St. Mary’s Square, and concluded back at the museum grounds.
Following the parade, attendees gathered for a patriotic program that included the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout Troop 741. Food, beverage, and ice cream vendors were available, and special remarks were offered by Talbot County Councilman and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum curator Pete Lesher, who spoke about the importance of giving back to the community. Adding to the historic atmosphere, attendees Sarah Kilmon and her sister Ellie were dressed in authentic colonial-era attire, joined by DAR member Libby H.
The idea for the Little Free Library was conceived in September 2024 by General Perry Benson Chapter Librarian Lisa H. and Maryland DAR State Librarian Jerry S. After months of research into Little Free Library models, procedures, and registration requirements, the project moved forward.
The library was designed by Donald K. Dougherty, Vice President of the St. Michaels Museum, and modeled after the historic Chaney House. Now located on the museum grounds, the Chaney House provides insight into the lives of enslaved African Americans in pre–Civil War Maryland. Built by three formerly enslaved men known as the Chaney brothers on Fremont Street, the house remained there until it was relocated to the museum property in 2003.
The Little Free Library sits atop a decorative white pedestal with a copper roof and includes an attached bin for dog treats. Positioned near a beautifully restored wooden bench, the space invites visitors to pause, read, and reflect.
Residents and visitors of all ages can already be seen both taking and sharing books. Even local dog owners have adjusted their daily walking routes so the library becomes a favorite final stop—often guided by eager pets heading straight to the dog treat bin.
As the General Perry Benson Chapter celebrates its 60th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday, the library was fittingly named in honor of General Perry Benson. It stands as a symbol of patriotism, historical preservation, education, literacy, and community service.
This project truly took a village, and it is the chapter’s hope that the Little Free Library will continue to serve the community for many years to come.
