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DKG Practice/Program

After doing some research, I discovered that the Delta Kappa Gamma Society
is a National Coalition member advocating for the NWHM. Because the Society
that Dr. Blanton founded already recognizes the efforts of the NWHM, I assumed
that getting her accepted into the museum would be easy. I was wrong! Twice I
submitted Dr. Blanton’s name to be considered as one of the many talented women
selected to be included in the NWHM. Then I waited and waited … but never
received any acknowledgement of either request.
I asked myself what Dr. Blanton would do. I knew she certainly would not quit!
Dr. Blanton’s example of tenacity inspired me to accept this challenge and try to
think “outside of the box.” In this day of technology, I decided to write an actual
letter to the president of the NWHM. I praised her and her staff for all their hard
work to bring the NWHM to fruition. Then I mentioned I had attempted to have Dr.
Blanton recognized—but had never received a response.
Snail mail can still be effective! Not only did I receive a response, but I also
received a phone call from the NWHM’s Director of Membership and Events. She
was very gracious and listened carefully while I explained my dilemma. My goal
was twofold: to have Dr. Blanton included on the NWHM website but also to have
this inclusion accomplished before the Pennsylvania State Organization convention
in June 2022 and the international convention in July 2022. The director gave me
the direct link needed to request that a biography of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton be
added to the NWHM website.
Time was of the essence. My initial letter to the NWHM’s president was sent
in January 2022. By the time I received the website information, it was the end
of March 2022. Excitedly, I explored the website and discovered that historical
documentation was needed to support the nomination of Dr. Blanton to prove that
she qualified to be included in the NWHM.
Facing this new hurdle, I contacted my Alpha Beta Chapter president, Becky
Johnen, and asked if she had any suggestions where I could find accurate,
documented information concerning Dr. Blanton. Before I knew it, not only
Becky but also the 2020–2022 Delta Kappa Gamma International President Becky
Sadowski, Executive Director Nita Scott, and Pennsylvania State Organization
President Eileen Little sent offers of assistance. They provided me with websites to
investigate. I was amazed at the support and encouragement provided by each of
these busy women.
They fueled my passion to have Dr.Blanton recognized by the NWHM. Now
the real work began. I felt like I was back in college doing a research paper. I spent
hour after hour reading, documenting, citing, and—finally—writing a biography
that I hoped would prove Dr. Blanton’s worthiness to be honored. Finally, on April
24, 2022, I received notification that Dr. Blanton’s information was submitted
to the Membership Office of the NWHM. Now all I could do was wait and hope
for a positive outcome. One thing was certain: My admiration for Dr. Blanton
had increased exponentially. No matter what happened, I had developed a new
appreciation for our beloved Dr. Annie Webb Blanton and all her accomplishments.
She is a wonderful role model for each of us.
The NWHM’s acknowledgement stated that it usually takes 90 days to publish
submitted information. Even though our conventions would be completed by then,
I found comfort in the belief that Dr. Blanton would eventually be recognized.

Collegial Exchange · 39