SAR Indiana Ladies Auxiliary History
July 2021
with March 2022 update
The Indiana Auxiliary of the Sons of the American Revolution welcomes all women who are connected to a member of the Indiana Sons of the American Revolution. The INLASAR serves as a vehicle to support SAR men in Color Guard activities, a support mechanism to raise monies for the state youth programs, an avenue for creating a basket usually of Indiana-made products for the national Ladies Auxiliary raffle during the annual SAR conference, and as a social outlet for its members. Meetings are held during the three (previously four) meetings held by the Indiana SAR each year. Meetings include a short business meeting and a program. Legally, the Auxiliary is considered a committee of the state SAR and therefore are under their umbrella.
Dues for the INLASAR are $5.00 annually which automatically includes membership in the national auxiliary. The fiscal year begins in April. Dues cover incidental operating expenses of the auxiliary and an annual donation to the INSSAR for use in their youth programs. Also available is a pin for $10 plus $3 if the recipient wishes it to be mailed. Dues and pin purchases for the Ladies Auxiliary may be paid to Auxiliary Treasurer. The Ladies Auxiliary elects officers every other April in uneven years who are installed during the SAR men’s meeting.
Auxiliary Officers are eligible to receive the Indiana Gold Service Award after three years of service. Previous recipients are:
Martha Barnhart
April Legler
Dixie Oberlin
Kay Schnuck
Chris Cunningham
Marge Howell
Donna Betzner
Donna Sharp
Janet Kreps
Kathy Parkison
Recipients of a gold star for a second term (and other subsequent terms) of 3 years service as an officer are:
April Legler
Chris Cunningham
The Indiana Ladies Auxiliary was organized by Martha Barnhart in 2006. Presidents were:
Martha Barnhart 2007-2009
Dixie Oberlin 2009-2011
Marge Howell 2011-2013
April Legler 2013-2015
Donna Sharp 2015-2017
Chris Cunningham 2017-2019
Kathy Parkison 2019-2022
Peg McGriff 2022 -
Clearly, the members of the Indiana Sons of the American Revolution took to heart Abigail Adams admonishment to her husband, John, to remember the ladies and have included the Ladies Auxiliary in programs for many years.