For Immediate Release
- Press Contact:
- Bren Landon
- [email protected]
- (202) 572-0563
WASHINGTON, DC – To mark the 75th anniversary of Marian Anderson’s historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is participating with District of Columbia Public Schools in a number of educational outreach initiatives. DAR President General Lynn Young and her executive board will be reading the children’s book “When Marian Sang,” by Pam Munoz Ryan, pictures by Brian Selznick, to classes at Peabody Elementary School and answering questions about Marian Anderson and the DAR. Officers and other DAR members will spend the day of the anniversary attending a commemorative program at the Lincoln Memorial presented by the National Parks Service (NPS). Afterwards, students from Ross Elementary School, who will perform during the NPS program, will tour DAR Constitution Hall and sing from the stage. The DAR will also commemorate the anniversary by donating books about Marian Anderson to each of the District of Columbia Public School libraries.
“It is important that students know about Marian Anderson’s struggles, triumphs and impact on society and we want to help ensure that they have access to learn about this inspiring woman,” said DAR President General Lynn Young. “The DAR is honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Marian Anderson and we are proud to demonstrate that change is possible.”
Click here to view photos from DAR’s Marian Anderson educational outreach activities.
On April 12, 2014, the DAR will host a concert at DAR Constitution Hall, presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS), which pays tribute to Marian Anderson and that momentous 1939 event. “Of Thee We Sing: The Marian Anderson 75th Anniversary Celebration,” will be an all-star concert hosted by the celebrated American soprano Jessye Norman and will feature an extraordinary 300-voice choir and many other talented artists. For more details on the concert, visit www.wpas.org.
For more information on the DAR and Marian Anderson, please visit the DAR Public Website.
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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a worldwide service organization with nearly 3,000 chapters, is devoted to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. With more than 177,000 members, it has been one of the nation's most active service organizations since its founding in 1890. Commitment to volunteer service is a cornerstone of the organization and a highlight of the administration of President General Lynn Young. DAR members contributed to a combined 3.5 million community service hours in 2013 alone. The DAR provides financial support for scholarships, sponsor American history essay contests, fund schools for underserved children, and volunteer time to local programs such as literacy tutoring. Countless historic sites have been saved, refurbished and made available for public education programs through the efforts of DAR members. Members also contribute thousands of hours of volunteer time in the nation’s VA hospitals each year as well as provide support and encouragement to active military personnel through various programs. For more information on the work of the DAR and how to become a member, visit www.dar.org.