A proclamation ceremony took place at the Old Fairfield Academy on the historic Town Green prior to the start of Constitution Week. In recognition of this important week which is celebrated throughout the nation each year, First Selectman Tetreau issued a proclamation to The Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
On hand to accept the proclamation were Dr. Linda Paslov, DAR Regent and CTDAR Community Classroom Chair, Claire Ervin, Chair of DAR’s House Committee, DAR Chapter Historian, and Chair of DAR’s Constitution Committee, and Sue Szudora, DAR Corresponding Secretary and CTDAR Americanism Committee Chair.
During Constitution Week, DAR is displaying an exhibit on the Constitution at Pequot Library. DAR annually rotates its display on the Constitution at each of the libraries in town. Pequot Library is located at 720 Pequot Avenue in Southport. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm. First Selectman Tetreau said, “It is a great privilege to issue a proclamation each year declaring September 17-23 as “Constitution Week in the Town of Fairfield.” It is also very fitting to celebrate this important week with The Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Old Fairfield Academy. Thanks to our local DAR chapter, our citizens are given a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Constitution and all of the freedoms it gives us.”
Constitution Week is the commemoration of the nation's most important document, the Constitution of the United States of America. This celebration of the Constitution was started by the DAR. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. DAR Regent Dr. Linda Paslov said, “Each September, we look forward to the presentation of the First Selectman's Constitution Week proclamation to our chapter. This formal action serves to inform the public that the Constitution is the basis for America's great heritage and the foundation for our way of life. It is a reminder to all of us to pause and reflect on the privilege of being an American with all the rights and responsibilities which this privilege involves."
About DAR:
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a service organization
comprised of the descendants of the Patriots who won American Independence, dedicated to
promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.
The Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was established in Fairfield in 1894 to carry out the mission of preserving the memory and spirit of those who secured American independence. DAR continues to serve Fairfield by engaging in historic preservation projects, support and outreach to veterans, and fostering education and citizenship in students. For more information on DAR, please visithttp://www.eunicedennieburrdar.org/.
About The Old Fairfield Academy:
In 1802, Fairfield resident Eunice Dennie Burr, widow of patriot Thaddeus Burr, along with 42 others, founded the Fairfield Academy so that its male students would be academically prepared to enter nearby Yale College to become ministers, merchants, doctors, lawyers, and sea captains, but also (at Eunice's insistence, as the largest contributor of funds) so that its female students could receive a formal, classical education. They bought shares at a cost of $5 each. The tuition for students, typically aged 10 to 16, was $4.50 for a 12-week session.
The historic building was initially located adjacent to The Burr Homestead on the Old Post Road. In 1875, it served as the home of the first public library. Slated for demolition in 1920, the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the DAR saved the Academy and has had full use of it since. In 1958, the building was relocated to the Town Green between Old Town Hall and John J. Sullivan Independence Hall. Today, the Old Fairfield Academy is a meeting place for DAR members who hold events and programs year-round.