{"id":210,"date":"2016-08-14T16:33:45","date_gmt":"2016-08-14T16:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tndar.org\/~rheacraig\/wp\/?page_id=210"},"modified":"2021-07-20T19:41:36","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T19:41:36","slug":"rhea-craig-activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tndar.org\/~rheacraig\/wp\/?page_id=210","title":{"rendered":"Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Projects and Activities<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Rhea-Craig Chapter is committed to the DAR objectives of patriotism, historic preservation, and education. We participate in many programs, activities, and projects to support these goals. We eagerly support projects on the local level as well as the national level.<\/p>\n

Historic Preservation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Soloman\u2019s Temple Cemetery Restoration Project\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/h4>\n

In spring 2019 Rhea-Craig Chapter, Sweetwater, TN began \u00a0restoration of \u00a0Soloman\u2019s Temple Cemetery in Vonore, TN where 99 African-American and Cherokee souls are buried.\u00a0 A $9,000 grant from CNS\u00a0Community Investment Fund distributed by Y-12 paid for the removal of extensive forest overgrowth made worse by the overwhelming cover of poison ivy and other invasive vines.\u00a0 Graves were severely sunken; many stones were broken, and worn.<\/p>\n

After months removing trees and vegetation, restoring and re-setting grave markers, we learned that an African American Civil War veteran named James McGhee, was buried there but his grave was unmarked.\u00a0 Born in 1837, McGhee served during the Civil War as a member of the U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. He survived the war and lived until 1927.\u00a0 When U.S. Veterans Affairs learned about McGhee they furnished a stone marker for him. In September 2019 it was delivered and set. The inscription reads: James McGhee. Born August 8, 1837. Died August 16, 1927.\u00a0 During slavery, African Americans had to bury their dead in remote areas after dark and many graves were unmarked.\u00a0 To honor all buried there, a permanent sign listing all 99 souls buried at Soloman\u2019s Temple Cemetery will soon stand at the entrance.<\/p>\n

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Celebrating Suffrage<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A nearly 6 foot tall multi-dimensional exhibit celebrating the 19th<\/sup> amendment was obtained from the National Archives in Washington DC and displayed at the Sweetwater Public Library. It was filled with detail and photographs and was very popular during the months of August and September.<\/p>\n

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Educational Programs<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The DAR Youth Citizenship Medal<\/h4>\n

The DAR Youth Citizenship Medal was established to foster among schoolchildren a greater appreciation of the qualities of citizenship Americans must possess if our country is to remain sovereign and independent.\u00a0\u00a0This medal is presented to a student who exemplifies the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.<\/p>\n