There’s a new patriot in town.
Susan Burt was inducted into Daughters of the American Revolution this year. Burt’s sister, Marjorie Ferrer, did research on their ancestors for many months so both sisters could become members of the organization.
“You have to prove your bloodline back to the person who originally got accepted,” Ferrer said. “It’s a wonderful organization.”
“She worked very hard getting all of the information together,” Burt said. “It took about three years.”
They are following in the footsteps of their mother, Virginia Miller, who was also a member of DAR. Their mother’s records are in the Smithsonian Museum in the nation’s capital. The women are descendants of Captain Samuel Miller.
DAR, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, is focused on volunteer work, and any efforts that support historic preservation, patriotism and education, while honoring those who served in the Revolutionary War. Since the organization began in the late 1800s, over 930,000 women have joined, and the organization today has 177,000 members. According to DAR’S website, over 600,000 volunteer hours have already been logged in 2015.
The impressive amount of volunteer hours is not a dissuasion for the newest DAR member of her family. Burt is an active volunteer in the Plant City community.
After retiring from her second career as a school nurse at 73, Burt continues to volunteer for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Bruton Memorial Library and the H.B. Plant Railroad Society. She also volunteers for the Strawberry Classic Car Show and frequently attends ribbon cuttings in the city while helping with annual book sales. Burt likes the focus DAR has on volunteerism and community involvement, as well as the patriotic women that she has met so far.
“I really enjoyed the people that I met and the enthusiasm,” Burt said. “I went to a convention in Orlando, and I liked the people and the speakers. It’s awesome to think that I’m a descendant from a patriot … to the cause of American independence.”
Burt grew up in Tennessee and later moved to Denver, where she lived for 18 years. She has lived in Plant City since 1989 and frequently visits her sister, who lives in Delray Beach. Burt, the oldest of five children, worked for the health department for 23 years while raising three children before she became a nurse. Her two daughters live in Colorado, and her son lives in FishHawk.
“They’re all married, and they all have college degrees,” Burt said.
Between her children, Burt has five grandchildren, four of whom live in Colorado and one who lives in Fishhawk.
Although her daughters have not applied yet, they could follow in their mother’s footsteps and become members of DAR. After one family member is inducted, it becomes easier for descendants to prove their lineage and become part of the organization as well.
Before Burt was inducted into DAR, Ferrer discovered through her research that the family was also descendants of a relative who sailed on the Mayflower — Ferrer and Burt are part of the 13th generation.
Ferrer is now part of the Mayflower Society, and Burt has plans to become part of that organization as well.
In the meantime, she is looking forward to the fall, when DAR activities begin.
“I want to get involved during the fall,” Burt said. “Whatever I can do in Tampa or volunteer at the local hospital.”
Burt, along with Ferrer, is grateful to be carrying on the legacy of her descendants.
“I am just really proud to be part of that group,” Burt said. “I’m just proud.”
ABOUT THE DAR
Motto: God, Home, and Country
Website: dar.org
Chapters: 3,000 in all 50 states and internationally
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com