Historic Projects
Harris Ferry Chapter is involved with a multitude of projects that align with the SAR’s mission of honoring and preserving the historic relics of the past.
Grave Marking
Research
Many Patriot graves are locally known and have little to no historical evidence to back the claim that the individual buried in that grave was a Revolutionary War Patriot. With modern tools and websites, as well as libraries and research centers, the goal will be to add or update as many new or existing Patriots to the SAR Patriot Research System.
- George Stroh
- Christian Stucky
- Johannes Bock
- Timothy Green
Grave Markers
Many Patriot (and Compatriots) graves lack SAR or Revolutionary War Veteran grave markers. These can often be stolen for the scrap value of bronze, unfortunately. In an attempt to thwart theft, staked markers will be placed in concrete and have the recipient's name, SAR number, and presenting chapter engraved on the back of the marker. Markers can also include large brass plaques or stones inscribed with the SAR Patriot logo. The Chapter will try to represent as many Patriot (and Compatriot) graves as possible with these markers.
- George Stroh (Patriot) - Stroh's Cemetery, Harrisburg, PA
- Christian Stucky (Patriot) - Stroh's Cemetery, Harrisburg, PA
- Oscar H. Stroh (Compatriot) - Stroh's Cemetery, Harrisburg, PA
- Johannes Bock (Patriot) - Buck Cemetery, Harrisburg, PA
- Timothy Green (Patriot) - Dauphin Cemetery, Dauphin, PA
- John McI. Smith (Compatriot) - Grantville Cemetery, Grantville, PA
Medals & Awards
Listed here are medals and awards the can be awarded by any compatriot and the chapter, as well as the state society with contributions from the chapter and its members.
Patriot Grave Marking Medal - A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for helping to document and identify Patriot graves for the SAR database. A specific set of criteria is required, including having participated in at least fifteen grave marking events as the event planner, financial supporter of at least $60 per SAR Patriot marker, or being a Speaker/Presenter.
Compatriot Grave Marking Medal - A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for helping to honor fellow SAR members as well as those members' Patriot ancestors. A specific set of criteria is required, including having participated in at least fifteen grave marking events as the event planner, financial supporter of at least $60 per SAR Compatriot marker, or being a Speaker/Presenter.
Colonel Stewart Boone McCarty Award - A compatriot may be awarded this award for preserving the history of the United States and the American Revolution through traditional teaching in schools. Submission is made by the chapter or state society by May 1st, and recognizes service during the most previous year. More information.
MNSSAR Stephen Taylor Award - A compatriot may be awarded this award for preserving the history of the United States and the American Revolution through his research and writing. Submission is made by the chapter or state society by May 1st, and recognizes service during the most previous year. More information.
Resources
Patriot Grave Biography Report
Patriot Grave Marking Medal Form
Cemetery Projects
Tombstone Restoration & Preservation
This is a topic that is not necessarily related to any one award or committee within the SAR, but more so an initiative that was incorporated into already established cemetery involvement. To honor our Patriot ancestors, their families, and those buried in their shared grounds, it is the responsibility of the current and future generations to maintain, restore, and preserve these sites. While the focus will be on Patriot graves, Harris Ferry Chapter will not shy away from a grave or cemetery in need, be it a veteran's stone from a different war, a child's memorial, or an abandoned cemeteries covered in briar.
Ground Maintenance - Grass cutting, weed management, brush removal, tree limb safety, and animal infestation control
Monument Cleaning - Cleaning, graffiti removal, tools and chemicals, and damage safety analyzation
Resetting & Leveling - Ground leveling, stone-to-stone bonding, mortaring and repointing, and rigging
Repairing - Crack and tablet repair, infilling, stone cutting, and base reconstruction
Medals & Awards
Listed here are medals and awards the can be awarded by any compatriot and the chapter, as well as the state society with contributions from the chapter and its members.
- Historic Preservation Award - A Chapter or State Society may be awarded this medal for preserving the history of the United States and the American Revolution through various historic preservation projects. Credit is considered for leading, volunteering, funding, and promoting the following projects: 1) installation of commemorative markers at historical locations like battlefields or cemeteries; 2) preservation and restoration of graves or cemeteries of Patriots or Patriot Sons and Daughters; 3) preservation and restoration of historical locations like battlefields; 4) preservation, restoration, or digitization of historical artifacts or documents; 5) production and presentation of history programs outside of a school or via digital methods. Promotion can be made via news articles, social media, or TV/radio. Partnerships with other heritage, lineage, or preservation groups is encouraged. Submission deadline is May 1st. More information.