On May 29, 2025, the New Iberia Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated their 100th anniversary as a chapter and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation by placing a historic marker at 230 W. Main St. in New Iberia, LA.
The commemorative marker, located at the former site of the Alma House, where the chapter’s first meeting was held on December 1, 1925, honors three Spanish founding fathers of New Iberia: Francisco Segura, Gabriel Lopez, and Juan Miguez who were Revolutionary patriots.
Also honored by this beautiful marker are the five groups in the area who rallied behind Bernardo de Galvez to fight the British in the battles along the Mississippi River. They are the Acadians, Africans, Anglos, French and Spanish.
About Alma House:
The location of the DAR marker is significant, because it is the place where a home was built by Dr. Leonard J. Smith of bricks in 1836. His nephew, Dr. Smith also lived in the home and planted the two oak trees when his first child was born. The trees are all that exist today.
This home was once owned by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, who allowed civic groups of New Iberia to meet in their parlor. The first meeting of the New Iberia Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was on Dec. 1, 1925 in the Elks Parlor. The New Iberia Chapter is celebrating their 100th anniversary by placing this marker at the location of their first meeting.
About the DAR:
The New Iberia Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution is a patriotic, service organization which supports the community, state and nation by promoting patriotism, education and historic preservation.
Locally, they promote education and the country’s history by supplying constitutions to area high schools. They also present a monetary award to an outstanding senior who is recognized as a Good Citizen in every high school which chooses to participate.
Veterans, past and present, are honored by their participation in the Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies held each year by the Veterans Association at the Steamboat Pavilion. In addition, they treat local Veterans to a breakfast quarterly, supply needed items across the state and have donated a bench in honor of Veterans at the Veterans Memorial Building.
They have placed flags on the graves of deceased Veterans in various cemeteries, and in 2024, 272 worn flags were collected and disposed of properly.
Outstanding local women are honored with the Women in American History Award by the group. Members have served at the Unplanned Pregnancy Center’s galas and have provided food and served it at the weekly Wednesday Evening Community Meal.
The organization is cognizant of environmental and coastline preservation and collected 1,186 pounds of recyclable glass in 2024 to transport to New Orleans where it was used to rebuild the coast. In the year 2024, members of the New Iberia Chapter proudly logged 3,988 hours of service to the community and surrounding area.
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