The DAR Van Bunschooten Museum is open mid-May through mid-October, 2008, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 1 to 4 p.m. and also by appointment. The 200-year old home is located at 1097 Route 23 in Wantage. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors , $1 for children. For more information, call (973) 875-4610.

THE TOUR: The Dutch Colonial home was built in 1787 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and Places. All the rooms are filled with period antiques (many belonging to the original family) and all rooms are open for view. The home is situated on six and a half acres of land with wagon house— containing antique farm equipment and carriages; Greek Revival privy; and ice house with milk room.

Originally constructed for the Reverend Elias Van Bunschooten, who served the Dutch Reformed Church for 40 years, it has remained true to its origins despite four or five changes of ownership and numerous tenants. Electricity, plumbing, and heat have been the only additions to the home. In 1971 the house, outbuildings, and six and a half acres were donated to the Chinkchewunska Chapter of the DAR by Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Ramsey. Mrs. Ramsey was a member of another chapter of the DAR.

This museum is unique in that it is one of the few museums in New Jersey to display furniture belonging it the original owner. The museum's collections include: china, vintage clothing, pressed glass goblets, irons, coverlets, portraits, and of course, quilts. The DAR has restored the house and outbuildings as a living reminder of Sussex County history from the late 1700's to the present.

Hours by Special Arrangement
We will also open by request for history/genealogical library research or for groups, including organizations or schools.To make arrangements, please contact :
Muriel Robertson at 973-875-5335 or muriel@nac.net or
Barbara Sauve at 973-875-4058 or bjsauve@warwick.net

Annual Events:

Christmas in July

The Chinchewunska Chapter of the DAR located in Wantage held its annual Christmas in July open house on July 20,21, and 22.  This year it featured a three-day encampment by 27th Regiment of NJ volunteers, The NJ Frontier Guard, Lost Art Lacers, attic treasure table, tours of the museum and local quilters. Please contact Babara at 973-875-4058 or Wendy at 973-383-0015 with all inquiries for the 2008 event.

Crafters and Craft Demonstrators Wanted: for its 2008 Christmas in July open house. Please contact Babara at 973-875-4058 or Wendy at 973-383-0015 with all inquiries.

Special Events and Programs:

The DAR offers many programs throughout the year that are open to the community. Most programs are free. Donations are always welcome.

DAR 2008 Essay Contest Winners

On April 5th, the Chinchewunska Chapter of the NSDAR celebrated the winners of the essay contest held in the local schools.  Pictured are Angie Turro, winner, Martha Domonkos, historian; Lindsey Green, winner; Victoria O’Brian, winner; Melva Murray, NJDAR  Historian; Wendy Wyman, Regent.

Dar Honors Outstanding American History Teacher
Steven Schels, an American history teacher at Sparta High School, has been selected by Chinkchewunska Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution to be their Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year for the year 2008.

Each year the Chinkchewunska Chapter DAR honors a Sussex County history teacher who has an incisive knowledge of American History, has shown excellence in teaching, maintains high academic standards, and fosters a spirit of patriotism and a loyal support of our country and constitutional government. Mr. Schels was highly recommended for the award by Sparta High School Interim Principal, James Bevere, as well as colleagues.  

Mr. Schels graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ  with a degree in history and earned a Masters degree in Social Studies Education in 1996 at the same University.  Additionally, he has a New Jersey Supervisor's Certificate.  He is currently working on a second Masters Degree in Educational Administration at the University of Scranton.  He has been nominated to Who’s Who Among American Teachers by students more than once and is a member of the National Council for the Social Studies.
   
Schels began his teaching career in 1996 at Pequannock Township High School where he taught for ten years.   He is currently in his second year of teaching at Sparta High School. In 2003 he was one of fifteen high school history educators to be selected as a scholarship recipient to attend Gettysburg College's annual Civil War Institute. 
 
Mr Schels will be honored at a luncheon held by the Chinkchewunska Chapter at the historic 1787 DAR Van Bunschooten Museum on Route 23, Wantage, on April 5, 2008.  He lives in Hamburg with his wife Tricia and 2 year old daughter, Jacqueline.

2007:

May 2007 – Induction of 2007 Officers

At its May meeting, the Chinkchewunska Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution inducted their new officers. Seated are: Peg Checkur, Senior President of CAR; Bea Kota, Registrar; Jean Zwirek, Chaplain; Wendy Wyman, Regent. Standing from the left: Nancy Malone, 2nd Vice Regent; Martha Domonkos, Historian; Irene Cosh, Curator; Kathy Weakland, Librarian; Bonnie Matthews, Treasure; Colleen Havens, Recording Secretary; Joanne Cosh, 1st Vice Regent; Barbara Sauve, Corresponding Secretary.

Saturday, April 28 — DAR Awards
On Saturday April 28, the Chinchewunska Chapter of the DAR celebrated award winners. Pictured are: Essay award winners; Alylse DePaola Grade 6, Dakota Fego Grade 8, James Bentson Grade 7, Austin Bentson-Good Citizen, Christine Henry- History Teacher of the Year, Natalie Elvidge- Good Citizen and Brody Adamsky-essay winner grade 5

2007 History Essay Winners. More Info

DAR HONORS OUTSTANDING AMERICAN HISTORY TEACHER

Christine Henry
(3rd from right)
was named the DAR 2007 Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year

Christine Henry, an American history teacher at High Point Regional High School, has been selected by Chinkchewunska Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution as their Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year for the year 2007.

Each year  the Chinkchewunska Chapter DAR honors a Sussex County history teacher who has an incisive knowledge of American History, has shown excellence in teaching, maintains high academic standards, and fosters a spirit of patriotism and a loyal support of our country and constitutional government. Mrs. Henry was highly recommended for the award by DAR members, High Point Regional High School Principal, Greg Youngman, Vice Principal, Carol La Starza, Department Chairman, Joseph Santora, colleagues, and former students.  

Henry earned a Bachelors  degree in Sociology from Rider University and a Masters degree in Social Studies from Montclair University.  Additionally, she has taken 30 credits in Educational Theory from Jersey City University. She was named Teacher of the Year at High Point Regional High School in 1994. Her first Teacher of the Year award was given to her by Kittatinny High School in 1987 where she also was a Governor’s Award winner. She also has been nominated to Who’s Who Among American Teachers by numerous former  students.
  
Since entering the teaching profession in 1984, Henry has spent most of her teaching career at High Point Regional High School. Currently she teaches American Studies, to both honors and college preparatory classes, and Sociology. She is the 2007 class advisor and the “Pass It Along” Coordinator for the high school. Other positions include teaching English classes, advising Mock Trial and coaching cheerleading.

Mrs. Henry was honored at a luncheon held by the Chinkchewunska Chapter at the historic 1787 DAR Van Bunschooten Museum on Route 23, Wantage, on April 28, 2007.

Citizen in Space
The Chinchewunska Chapter of the DAR hosted Dr. Gregory Olsen.  Dr. Olsen shared his experiences in space!  Last fall, Olsen became the third private citizen to orbit the Earth on the International Space Station.  During his 10-day voyage, he performed more than 150 orbits of the Earth! Dr. Olsen is now president of GHO Ventures in Princeton, NJ.  Mr. Olsen’s presentation was for young and old.  This free evening began at 6:30 PM.  Light refreshments were served. 


Chapter launches website : http://www.rootsweb.com/~njdar/Chinkchewunska/