Our Chapter

The Mahwenawasigh Chapter, NSDAR, was founded in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1894, by 13 dynamic women dedicated to the mission of the DAR: historic preservation, education, and patriotism. For well over a century, our members have gathered to support each other in our mutual love for our nation and its history. Our projects range from conservation to service for veterans, and literacy to American handicraft- there’s something for every woman in today’s DAR. Please contact us for information about our chapter meetings.

 

Our Chapter’s History

Mahwenawasigh Chapter, founded in 1894, derived its name from "Mawenawasigh" as written in the Rombout Patent of 1684. This covered lands extending from Wappingers Creek to the foot of the hills on the north side of Mattewan Creek, "Mahwenawasigh" being the name of the north bound mark of the patent. Literally, the name is from "mawe" (to meet) and "newasek" (a point or promontory) – the promontory where another boundary is met. In the early years of the chapter’s history, members hosted meetings in their homes. As attendance grew, meetings moved to the local Armory or the Chapel of the Poughkeepsie Reformed Church, but by April of 1897, with 93 members, it was clear that a permanent solution to the growing attendance was needed. Around that time, Mahwenawasigh’s regent, Mrs. Edward Storrs Atwater, discovered a valuable historic building, the Clinton House, standing empty on Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie.

 

A Little About the Clinton House

The Clinton House, an 18th century stone building, was erected around 1765. It is named in honor of George Clinton, first Governor of New York. The house served as a meeting place for the New York legislature while Poughkeepsie was the state capital in 1777. Built by Hugh Van Kleeck, it became the home of Udney Hay, a member of the Quartermaster Corps of the Continental Army, in 1780. When the home was damaged by fire, Udney Hay petitioned George Washington for craftsmen to aid in its repair. By 1900 the house had fallen into disrepair and was purchased by the Mahwenawasigh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, on April 2, 1900.The Chapter then transferred the house to New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt for the benefit of the citizens of New York State. Today, the Clinton House is the home of the offices and library of the Dutchess County Historical Society and is part of the New York State Park System. One room has been set aside for the use of the Mahwenawasigh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.