Capt Joshua Gray-Jonathan Hatch Chapter, NSDAR
Welcome! to the Capt Joshua Gray-Jonathan Hatch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) chartered on Cape Cod, Massachusetts which serves the Upper Cape, Mid-Cape, and Lower & Outer Cape. We are a nonprofit, nonpolitical active 120+ member chapter of women volunteers working together in service to fulfill the organization's three Service to America goals: Historic Preservation, Promotion of Education, and Patriotism.
Graphic design by Chapter Board Member and Artist Susan Kilmartin.
Celebrate America 250! on Cape Cod!
Come celebrate 2026 America 250 with us as we bring to life the American Revolutionary history of Cape Cod and the Islands! Enjoy fascinating tales of extraordinary women like Mercy Otis Warren, shared by author Nancy Rubin Stuart, and hear about the daring Privateersmen of Martha’s Vineyard from Mr. Van Riper.
Event Sponsors
​Giveaway
Cape Cod Air is giving away two round-trip tickets at the event. You must enter on-site and be present to win. Details on flyer.
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The historical venue
will set the tone for the afternoon and take you back to the 1700s. The charming Dennis Union Church, established in 1722 as a Meeting House and Congregation, played a role during the American Revolution.
​Speakers
Get a sneak peek at the first page of Mr. Van Riper’s chapter in the book "The Revolutionary War on Cape Cod and the Islands", which he’ll be discussing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
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Nancy Rubin Stuart is an award-winning author and contributor to The New York Times. Nancy will be hosting a book signing event, with books available for purchase by cash or check for $23 plus tax. Learn more at NancyRubinStuart.com.​​
A collaboration of Cape & Islands historians edited by our own chapter Historian Karen Fojt.
David S. Martin is past president of the Marstons Mills Historical Society and of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society. He has written several books and coordinated the 2020 Symposium on Cape Cod’s importance in the Plimoth Colony.
Ron Petersen is chair of the Orleans Historical Commission and serves on the Orleans Historic District Study Committee. He frequently writes and lectures about local history.
Nancy Viall Shoemaker is vice-chair of the Barnstable Historical Commission and historian of the Barnstable and West Barnstable Historical Societies. Nancy is a printer and graphic designer who has published over 70 books for local authors.
This book can be securely purchased online from our chapter by clicking "Buy 250th Book" above.
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Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the 13th Annual Joint Meeting and Luncheon of the Capt Joshua Gray-Jonathan Hatch Chapter of the DAR and the Cape Cod and Islands Chapter of the SAR, our guest speaker was Norman Desmarais, Professor Emeritus at Providence College, and expert on the American Revolution and the role of France in the War. Professor Desmarais delivered a presentation about the French in Boston.
At the meeting, pictured with Regent Illo, Professor Desmarais was presented with the DAR America 250! Commendation Medal and Certificate by Regent Kathryn Illo in recognition of his "extraordinary efforts to honor our Franco-American friendship" during the American Revolution.
Saturday, July 26, 2025, our chapter, in collaboration with the Falmouth Historical Society, hosted the Cape & Islands in the Revolution America 250 Symposium. Following introductory remarks by Falmouth Historical Society Executive Director, Rachel Lovett, and our Chapter Regent, Kathryn Illo, Dr. David Martin, President of the Marstons Mills Historical Society, introduced the program speakers. Ron Petersen, Chair of the Orleans Historical Commission and member of the Orleans Historic District Study Committee, delivered a presentation called "The Tea Party on Cape Cod: The Wreck of the William." Nancy Shoemaker, Town Historical Commissioner and historian of the Barnstable and West Barnstable Historical Societies, discussed West Barnstable’s Otis family and the September 27, 1774 march to the Court of Common Pleas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, the Falmouth Historical Society staff, Nancy Krug, our former Chapter Regent for her leadership in making this event happen, and everyone who joined us for this memorable occasion.
Event Sponsors
Booje Calfee – In memory of the Halletts, “Falmouth was fortunate that Dudley & Julia Hallet were so instrumental in the Museums’ growth and played such a huge role in keeping Falmouth’s past alive.”
