The Tennessee Society DAR recently presented Ashley Howell, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Museum, with the DAR America 250! Commendation and medal. This Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters award honors non-DAR members who have made extraordinary efforts to recognize those who secured American independence. As Chair of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, Howell leads efforts to plan, promote, and coordinate the commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, highlighting Tennessee’s significant role in shaping the past, present, and future of the United States. Thank you for this honorable recognition! Photo courtesy of Tennessee Society DAR. (fb)

John Coffee was a planter and commander in Tennessee's militia. This saber was carried by Coffee as commander of the "Volunteer Riflemen of Tennessee." He fought at the Battle of New Orleans and in the Creek and Seminole Wars and was a close personal friend and business associate of Andrew Jackson. The sword is notable for its remarkable detail: the saber has a curved blade, ivory grips, silver mounts, and a floral pommel. A "U.S. of A" patriotic and gold floral design is also incised in the blade. Take a closer look in the Museum's Forging a Nation exhibition. (fb)