Sons of the American Revolution

Harris Ferry BOM Meeting
2025-08-16 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | The Olive Tree (formerly Wertzville Diner), 743 Wertzville Rd, Enola, PA, 17025, United States
Howdy Gents!
We are scheduling a BOM meeting for 1:30 pm Saturday Aug 16th at Wertzville Diner (743 Wertzville Road , Enola, PA).

A few things to discuss: review PASSAR meeting and recent cemetery project, discuss new cemetery project, grave markings, and celebrations (Constitution Day, Veterans Day, Annual Meeting, Presidents Day 2026)

Note: I believe I have found a suitable location for meeting in Dauphin County. I will try to confirm and host our next meeting there for convenience of those on the other side of the Susquehanna.

Constitution Day 2025 and Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Dauphin Cemetery, 100 Floral Ln, Dauphin, PA, 17018, United States
Harris Ferry Chapter is celebrating Constitution Day this year by honoring a Patriot of the American Revolution with an SAR Patriot Grave Marker! The Patriot is none other than Timothy Green, legendary Revolutionary War leader from the Dauphin County area.
The following details are tentative at this very moment and to be finalized on Sat Aug 16:
Saturday September 20, 2025

10:00-10:30 Arrival of Guests
10:30-11:30 Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony for Timothy Green at Dauphin Cemetery (100 Floral Ln, Dauphin, PA 17018)
12:00-12:30 Lunch at Dauphin-Middle Paxton Community Park (700 Claster Blvd, Dauphin, PA 17018)
12:30-1:00 Presentation by Jonathan Miller, “The Hometown Historian”

An official program will be released at the event. The cemetery and the park are across the street from one another, but realistically if you wish to drive they’re two minutes apart. The park offers a playground too if you wish to bring any youngsters with!
This event offers credit opportunities toward the Color Guard, 250th Anniversary, and Patriot Grave Marking Medals.
Flyer

Perry County America250 Liberty Tree Dedication
2025-09-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Millerstown Area Community Park, 110 W Juniata Pkwy, Millerstown, PA, 17062, United States
The community is invited to attend the Perry County America250 Liberty Tree Dedication!

11:00 AM – Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Millerstown Area Community Park (110 W Juniata Pkwy, Millerstown, PA 17062)
The event will include performances and recitations by students from Greenwood and West Perry School Districts, Keynote Speaker James Scott, Director, Perry County Veterans Affairs, and much more!
Revolutionary War Patriots Benjamin Bonsall and Ephraim Williams will be honored for their service
Three benches will be dedicated at the site along with a marker recognizing participants in Perry County’s America250 efforts
A Liberty Tree will be dedicated at the park, and another at Greenwood Schools (each school district in Perry County has planted an SAR-sanctioned Liberty Tree on their properties).
Bronze markers will be placed on the graves of the Patriots following the event.
All are welcome to attend as we honor Americanism. Historic attire is encouraged, but not required.
Rain date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Come help our Washingtonburg Compatriots in Perry County!
Flyer

CANCELLED: Cemetery Preservation Project - Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Paxton Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 3500 Sharon Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17111, United States
UPDATE: THIS CEMETERY PROJECT IS CANCELLED
The Paxton Presbyterian Church would like to be more involved with this project, but it was requested to have some more time to review and prepare. Harris Ferry will postpone this project for later this year or sometime next. I appreciate your understanding and apologies on any inconveniences! – J. Lemon
Compatriots! With the success of our recent grave cleaning at Old Hanover, I figured we could do the exact same thing again! This time the project will be at Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard in Harrisburg, the resting place for another large number of American Revolution Patriots. Included in these hollowed grounds is John Harris Jr., to whom our chapter is named after.
Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard is the site of Harris Ferry Chapter’s Wreaths Across America campaign, so it only makes sense for us to help spruce that cemetery up more than it already has been by the church. Criteria for the project will be exactly like before, but for those who didn’t get to attend before and would like the info, please see the following.
What will we be doing?

The plan is to clean as many tombstones as possible, with a focus on the veteran tombstones first (Patriot stones and those of later wars). Depending on the number of volunteers in attendance, that may be easily achieved and we can focus on other stones after.

What can YOU do to contribute?

If you wish to volunteer to clean and help on the stones, by all means grab a pair of gloves and we’ll put you to work!
If you wish to simply watch and learn and hang out, that is more than welcomed. A lot of people like to learn about the process and some history along the way, especially if they’re unable to physically contribute.
If someone has a tent we could set up that would be great. We didn’t need it last time, but it doesn’t hurt to have in case we want to set it up for those that want coverage.
If you wish to make any sort of financial contribution toward supplies or to the chapter, that is always extremely appreciated. Contact me regarding this please.
RSVP to me ASAP if you wish to come, that is what I TRULY need from you so I can coordinate this effectively.

Miscellaneous

Date/Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10am to whenever we decide as a group to hang it up. Last time we cleaned about 50 stones and placed flags in two hours.
Location: 3500 Sharon St, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Parking: The church has a substantially large parking lot that should accommodate us all.
Who is invited?: Anyone and everyone! Bring the kids and grandkids, other SAR/DAR/CAR members, your neighbors, all are welcome! (Just update me on who is confirmed coming, I’ll need a headcount.)
Things to bring: comfortable/working clothes, gloves/hat/sunglasses, sun screen, foldable chair, umbrella (to shield the sun even). Being September, we should hopefully out of the obnoxiously hot weather.
Things not to bring: pets, SAR medals or regalia, fancy clothes (you’re going to get dirty if you’re volunteering)
Refreshments: water will be available as well as light refreshments.

That should be about everything, I’ll update this as I get more things hammered out. Please check this posting on the website for these updates. That link is: https://harrisferrysar.org/event/cemetery-preservation-project-paxton-presbyterian-churchyard/.
This project is meant to be fun, constructive, educational, and historical. Your cooperation and assistance is invaluable.
Contact me if you are volunteering, wish to attend as a bystander, wish to donate, wish to bring things to help out (tents, chairs, water, food, etc), or if you have any questions at all. You can reach me at the following email or phone number. If you call me, please leave a message and I’ll return your call (weeds out the spam calls we all get). You may also text.

email: jlemon93@hotmail.com
phone: (717) 507-5364

Thank You! – Jacob R. Lemon, President, Harris Ferry Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
Miscellaneous Links

Find a Grave for Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard

Liberty Tree Dedication at Hampden Township Veterans Park
2025-10-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Hampden Township Veterans Park, 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA, 17025, United States
The Community is invited to attend the Cumberland County America250PA Liberty Tree dedication at 2:00p.m. on Sunday October 5, 2025 at the Captain Leon Lock Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will be held at the Hampden Township Veterans park at 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA 17025.

*This qualifies as 250th event

250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marines
2025-10-11 - 2025-10-13 | PA
National Society SAR and Pennsylvania Society SAR event. Philadelphia, PA.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

250th Ceremony at Independence Square
Patriot Grave Markings:

Col. Samuel Nicholas – Commandant of the Marines
Commodore John Barry – Father of the Navy

Independence Hall Tour
Dinner at Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Battle of Germantown Commemoration

Speaker: Michael Harris

5-Patriot Grave Marking at Germantown Upper Burying Ground

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13

Navy-Marines Homecoming 250 Parade
Museum of the American Revolution Tour

Event Registration
Hotel Registration
Complete schedule of events
Navy_Marines_250_Flyer

John Harris Jr. Society CAR Organizing Meeting
2025-10-12 | Henderson House, 17 E Main St, Hummelstown, PA, 17036, United States
The John Harris Jr. Society of the Children of the American Revolution is holding its first official Organizing Meeting, where State President Brasko will install the Society’s Officers and Senior Officers.
Harris Ferry Chapter President Lemon is the local CAR Society’s Senior Vice President, and his two children are charter members.
Come show your support to the future generation of SAR and DAR members!

CANCELLED: Middletown Cemetery Tour
2025-10-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Middletown Cemetery, 675 N Spring St, Middletown, PA, 17057, United States
UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED
Hi everyone! I had to cancel this event for this year; I didn’t have enough time to research the people I wanted to discuss interred at the cemetery with the list of other things going on. Let’s find time to do this next year, as I think this is a fun and educational activity. I’ll work with the Middletown Historical Association and try to bring in some more attention to it. Thank you for understanding! – President Lemon
—
Harris Ferry Chapter invites you to attend a tour of historic Middletown Cemetery!
Your tour guide, Chapter President Lemon, will walk you along the paved paths of the beautiful old section of Middletown Cemetery, highlighting some of the famous and interesting persons interred on the grounds. Revolutionary War Patriots are not the only people you will learn about as this cemetery is the resting spot to many other war veterans, actors, politicians, and sports icons.
Saturday October 18, 2025

Middletown Cemetery (675 N Spring St, Middletown, PA 17057)
Start time: 10:30-12:00
Parking will be determined soon
Rain date will be scheduled as well

Harris Ferry BOM Meeting
2025-11-01 09:00 - 22:30 | The Olive Tree (formerly Wertzville Diner), 743 Wertzville Rd, Enola, PA, 17025, United States
Howdy Gentlemen!
I would like to let you know we are scheduling a Harris Ferry BOM meeting. These meetings aren’t meant for just the board; all are welcome to attend!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
9:00am – 10:30am
The Olive Tree (formerly Wertzville Diner)
743 Wertzville Rd, Enola, PA 17025
Topics to discuss:

Nov 15th compatriot grave marking and Veterans Day celebration.
Officer election proposals and voting
Annual Meeting in December (This meeting will also be when awards will be given, as well as the yearly dinner).
Discussion on Washington Dinner in February.
A few upcoming events from neighboring chapters as well as a brief overview of a few things into 2026.

It’s scheduled early enough for us all to enjoy some breakfast. Hope to see as many of you there as possible!

PASSAR 2025 Fall BOM Meeting
2025-11-08 | 1863 Inn of Gettysburg, 516 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA, 17325, United States
The Pennsylvania Society SAR 2025 Fall BOM meeting has been scheduled, hosted by Continental Congress Chapter, at Gettysburg, PA.

Fri Nov 7 – Evening Social: Registration from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Evening social from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Sat Nov 8 – BOM Meeting: Registration from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Meeting from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Lunch with Presentation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Please see registration form for complete agenda as well as hotel information.
*NOTE: on the website calendar it is entered that the event date is Nov 8, since that is the actual BOM meeting. Please do not miss the evening social the day prior on Nov 7 if you wish to attend.*
PASSAR 2025 Fall BOM Registration

Veterans Day 2025 and Compatriot Grave Marking Ceremony
2025-11-15 11:30 | Grantville Cemetery (Saint John’s United Methodist Church), 165 Firehouse Rd, Grantville, PA, 17028, United States
Please note the changes in the agenda for this event that are now official as compared to the original proposed agenda!
Harris Ferry Chapter is celebrating Veterans Day this year by honoring a Compatriots of the Sons of the American Revolution with an SAR Compatriot Grave Marker! The Compatriot is John McIlhenny Smith, the first official President of Harris Ferry Chapter!
Saturday November 15, 2025

11:30-12:30 Compatriot Grave Marking Ceremony for John McI. Smith at Grantville Cemetery (Saint John’s United Methodist Church) (165 Firehouse Rd, Grantville, PA 17028)

An official program will be released at the event.
This event will count as credit toward the 250th Anniversary Medal, as well as the Compatriot Grave Marking Medal and Color Guard Medal if participating in either of those.

Wreaths Across America 2025
2025-12-13 09:00 - 10:30 | PA
Come honor our Patriots and servicemen at Paxton Presbyterian Church Cemetery for our 2025 Wreaths Across America program. Dress warm and bring your friends and family!
3500 Sharon St, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Start time: 9:00 am
*Qualifies as a 250th Event

Harris Ferry Chapter SAR 2026 Annual Meeting
2026-01-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Harris Ferry Chapter SAR 2026 Annual Meeting
January 10, 2026 – 11:00 a.m.
The Civic Club of Harrisburg – 612 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Dear Compatriots and Patriotic Partners,
You are cordially invited to the Harris Ferry Chapter SAR 2026 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at The Civic Club of Harrisburg at 612 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. The meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a recess to enjoy lunch, and will finish with the program.
The agenda for the day consists of a few orders of business, such as the election and swearing in of the 2026 Harris Ferry Chapter officers, a recap of the events and successes of 2025, the presentation of awards, and an outlook on upcoming events. We will have an enjoyable presentation to close out the meeting.
The meal this year is catered by Mission BBQ and will be buffet style. The meal will consist of sliced brisket, pulled chicken, mac-n-cheese, green beans, slider rolls, and cornbread. Cost per attendee is $25.00. Guests are also welcome! Please send payment and registration form below to Secretary Gary L. Coburn.
There is no street parking or paved parking lot, however a flat grassy lot is next to The Civic Club of Harrisburg on the right side of Front Street that is parking-permitted. Keep in mind Front Street is a one way street. There will be a sign out front to help provide direction and from where to enter.
For those that confirm their attendance, an email prior the event will be sent out to you with further details regarding timing, parking, directions, and any other last minute updates. We hope to see you there!
HFSAR 2026 Annual Meeting – Registration

PASSAR 2026 Winter BOM Meeting
2026-02-07 08:00 - 14:00 | The Hyatt House, 240 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA, 19406, United States
The Pennsylvania Society SAR 2026 Winter BOM meeting has been scheduled, hosted by Philadelphia Continental Chapter, at King of Prussia, PA.

Fri Feb 6 – Evening Social: Registration from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Evening social from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Sat Feb 7 – BOM Meeting: Registration from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Meeting from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Lunch with Presentation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Please see registration form for complete agenda as well as hotel information.
*NOTE: on the website calendar it is entered that the event date is Feb 7, as this is the actual date of the BOM meeting. Please do not miss the evening social the day prior on Feb 6 if you wish to attend.*
Registration is closed.

Washington's Birthday Luncheon 2026
2026-02-21 11:00 - 14:00 | American Legion Dominic D. DiFrancesco Memorial Post 594, 137 E. High Street, Middletown, PA, 17057, United States
Washington’s Birthday Luncheon
February 21, 2026 – 11:00 a.m.
American Legion Dominic D. DiFrancesco Memorial Post 594
137 E. High Street, Middletown, PA 17507
Dear Compatriots and Patriotic Partners,
You are cordially invited to Washington’s Birthday Luncheon, held annually by the Harris Ferry Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Harrisburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This year, the celebration is hosted by the SAR and will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the American Legion Dominic D. DiFrancesco Memorial Post 594 at 137 E. High Street, Middletown, PA 17057. The celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with registration, a recess to enjoy lunch, and will finish with the program.
The meal this year is catered by the American Legion and will be buffet style. The meal will consist of beef, chicken, vegetables, potatoes, salad, rolls, dessert and coffee. Cost per attendee is $35.00. Guests are also welcome! Please send payment and registration form below to Secretary Gary L Coburn.
Optional: There will be a limited quantity of George Washington cockades available for purchase at the registration table for $30.00 each. Please do not pay in advance. Each cockade is handmade and modeled after original cockades that George Washington had commissioned for the Continental Army. If all cockades sell the day of the event and you are still interested, we will take your information and place an order after and deliver it to you.
Registration is closed.

Pennsylvania C.A.R. 2026 State Conference
2026-03-20 - 2026-03-21 | Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
Pennsylvania C.A.R. 2026 State Conference
Registration is closed.

Harris Ferry BOM Meeting
2026-03-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Cocoa Diner, 590 E Main St, Hummelstown, PA, 17036, United States
Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am contacting you regarding an upcoming Harris Ferry Chapter BOM Meeting.

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Cocoa Diner

Address: 590 E Main St, Hummelstown, PA 17036

Officers, please submit any items you need on the agenda to Secretary Coburn by March 16, 2026.

All chapter members are welcome, so please come on out! 2026 is going to be a busy year for Harris Ferry and the SAR.

We, specifically, have several grave markings already planned, and the entire SAR is celebrating the 250th this year.

I have updated information on official SAR 250th merchandise for anyone interested (to which I will bring with me and distribute via email).

Gary and the Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee have coordinated an official America250PA event on April 11, 2026 that I’m sure he will be updating us on.

And more!

Please message me if you will be attending or not (officers especially).

Thank You All!

America250PA Celebration w/ HTVRC
2026-04-11 14:00 | Hampden Township Veterans Park, 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA, 17025, United States
The Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee is hosting an America250PA celebration at the Hampden Township Veterans Park. Harris Ferry Chapter is supporting this celebration, and neighboring SAR and DAR chapters will be contacting for their support as well.
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 2:00pm
Attendance is free and all are welcome! Enjoy historical talk, patriotism, color guard, and an overall celebration for the 250th Anniversary of the United States! Commemorative pins will be given out for free, and even some exclusive 250th merchandise will be available for purchase (available to all, not just SAR members).

PSATS 2026 Annual Educational Conference
2026-04-20 08:00 - 12:00 | Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
The PSATS 2026 Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show is scheduled for April 19-22, 2026, and PASSAR is leading the Color Guard on the opening of the event. There will be an SAR table on site where we will educate attendees on the SAR, attempt recruitment, and promote merchandise for the SAR 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM Color Guard Muster (the start time of the actual event likely 9:00 AM)
Please notify President Lemon of your attendance, Color guard participation, or willingness to assist with the merchandise table.

PASSAR 2026 Spring BOM & Annual Meeting
2026-05-02 | Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA, 17011, United States
The Pennsylvania Society SAR 2026 Spring BOM & Annual Meeting has been scheduled, hosted by Washingtonburg, at Camp Hill, PA.

Fri May 1 – Evening Social

4:30 PM to 6:00 PM – Registration
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM – Evening Social

Sat May 2 – BOM Meeting

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM – Registration
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM – BOM Meeting
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM – Lunch Buffet
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Memorial Service
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Social Hour w/ Cash Bar
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Banquet Dinner and Officer Installation

Please see registration form for full details.
Registration (due April 11, 2026)

Patriot Grave Marking at Shoop's Cemetery
2026-05-30 | Shoop’s Cemetery, 4332 Lexington Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States
Harris Ferry Chapter is celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States this year by honoring a number of Patriots of the American Revolution with an SAR Patriot Grave Marker plaque as well as a Pomeroy Foundation Patriot Burials Marker! Our chapter is also intending to commemorate all veterans that are buried in the mass burial lot alongside the Patriots from Old Shoop’s Church. This event will be in cooperation with Harrisburg Chapter DAR as it too is installing a marker.
The following details are tentative at this very moment:
Sunday, May 30, 2026

More details coming soon.

This event offers credit opportunities toward the Color Guard, 250th Anniversary, and Patriot Grave Marking Medals.
Event flyer coming soon.

Middletown 51st Annual Arts & Crafts Fair
2026-06-13 | PA
Harris Ferry Chapter SAR has secured a spot at the 51st Annual Arts & Crafts Fair in Middletown! Be sure to stop on by to learn more about Middletown History, the SAR, and even exclusive 250th merchandise!
More details to follow.

Patriot Grave Marking at Union Deposit Cemetery
2026-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Union Deposit Cemetery, 100 W Hershey Rd, Hummelstown, PA, 17036, United States
Harris Ferry Chapter is celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States this year by honoring a number of Patriots of the American Revolution with SAR Patriot Grave Markers as well as a Pomeroy Foundation Patriot Burials Marker! This event will be in cooperation with the South Hanover Township Historical Society.
The following details are tentative at this very moment:
Saturday, June 13, 2026

Start time: 10:00 am is tentative
More details coming soon.

This event offers credit opportunities toward the Color Guard, 250th Anniversary, and Patriot Grave Marking Medals.
Event flyer coming soon.

250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
2026-07-02 - 2026-07-05 | Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, United States
As part of the 250th Anniversary of the America and the Decade of the American Revolution, specifically the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the National Society SAR, Pennsylvania Society SAR, Philadelphia Continental Chapter SAR have organized several events and activities. Special room rates at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown are available (hotel registration link below).
The following is tentative:

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Tour of Independence Hall
SAR Evening Reception at ____

Friday, July 3, 2026

Salute to Independence Parade
“Ring It On” SAR Event
SAR Gala Dinner at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Saturday, July 4, 2026

SAR 250 Celebration
SAR 250 Bench Dedication
Philadelphia 250 Events

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Grave Marking for 5 Signers of the Declaration at Christ’s Church
Tour of the Museum of the American Revolution
Social Dinner at Glory Beer Hall

More details to come.
Click here for Hotel Registration.
Click here for Event Registration.
Click here for Merch Website. (coming soon)
This event offers credit opportunities toward the Color Guard, 250th Anniversary, and Patriot Grave Marking Medals.
Event flyer coming soon.
Merch flyer coming soon.

RESCHEDULED TBD: Patriot Grave Marking at David's Community Bible Church
2026-09-01 | David’s Community Bible Church, 1072 State Route 25, Millersburg, PA, 17061, United States
Harris Ferry Chapter is celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States this year by honoring a number of Patriots of the American Revolution with SAR Patriot Grave Markers as well as a Pomeroy Foundation Patriot Burials Marker! This event will be in cooperation with David’s Community Bible Church and Fort Halifax Chapter SAR.
The following details are tentative at this very moment:
RESCHEDULED TBD

Start time: 1:00 pm is tentative
More details coming soon.

This event offers credit opportunities toward the Color Guard, 250th Anniversary, and Patriot Grave Marking Medals.
Event flyer coming soon.
