Three members of the Daughters of the American Revolution visited Lexington Public Library on Wednesday, July 1, for an America-themed story time that focused on the importance of family history and American independence.
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Tracy Lichtenwaltar, center, dressed as Betsy Ross, shows
children the original Betsy Ross flag design during story time
Wednesday. The design included 13 five-pointed starts, with each
star representing one of the 13 original colonies.
Ashley Mohler / Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
Parents and children filled the library's meeting room, prompting staff to bring in additional seating.
Patriotic inflatable decorations, streamers, balloons and tablecloths transformed the space into an Independence Day celebration.
The program began with an animated video that introduced children to the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The video explained rights in simple terms, telling children that "rights are what you have the freedom to do."
Three DAR representatives presented the main portion of the program.
Sandy Mittelstaedt portrayed George Washington, Tracy Lichtenwalter portrayed Betsy Ross, and Marge Bader, dressed as a Revolutionary War soldier, shared the stories of two Revolutionary patriots.
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DAR members Tracy Lichtenwalter, left, Marge Bader and Sandy
Mittelstaedt watch a video about the Declaration of Independence
while waiting for their turn to speak at the Lexington Public
Library’s July 1 story time.
Ashley Mohler / Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
Mittelstaedt encouraged attendees to take part in the City of Lexington's fireworks celebration at Veterans Memorial Pavilion later that evening.
She also invited families to stop by the Dawson County Historical Museum before the celebration to watch DAR members and museum staff bury a time capsule.
Lichtenwalter told children that, according to the popular story, George Washington asked Betsy Ross to create the first official American flag and originally wanted it to feature six-pointed stars.
"Betsy said, 'I can make a five-pointed star with just one cut,'" Lichtenwalter said.
She folded a piece of paper into a point and made a single cut with a pair of scissors. When she unfolded the paper, it revealed a perfect five-pointed star, drawing gasps of amazement from the children.
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Marge Bader, dressed as a revolutionary solider, tells children
about her ancestors James Taylor and Hugh Moss.
Ashley Mohler / Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
Bader shared the stories of James Taylor and Hugh Moss, who lived in the same era as George Washington.
She explained that she discovered her connection to the two patriots while applying for membership in the DAR, which required her to document her ancestry.
Bader encouraged children to ask their parents and grandparents about their own family histories so they could one day pass those stories on to future generations.
The program concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance after a guest requested it be recited in both English and Spanish. Participants also sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."
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Children and adults hold their hands over their hearts as they
sing the “The Star-Spangled Banner" Wednesday at story time at
the Lexington library.
Ashley Mohler / Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
Following story time, families enjoyed refreshments that included fruit kabobs, Rice Krispies treats, cookies, crackers, meat and cheese.
In observance of Independence Day, the Lexington Public Library will be closed July 3-4.
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Story time attendees go through a snack potluck line following
the presentation by DAR women Wednesday at the Lexington Public
Library.
Ashley Mohler / Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
