The Major Peter Jaquett Chapter

Biography of our Namesake: Major Peter Jaquett was a hero who served in thirty-two battles of the Revolution with the Delaware Continentals. He and was a native of New Castle County, born at Long Hook, and he is buried in Old Swedes Cemetery.

History of the Chapter: Early in 1994 our founding president, William B. Neal, agreed to organize a chapter that would include the northern and eastern sections of New Castle county. Invitation were mailed to prospective charter members in March, and on the 10th day of April, 1994, the Delaware Society's Board of Managers approved petitions to grant charters for the Major Peter Jaquett Chapter and for the Major Robert Kirkwood Chapter. The organizing meeting was held at the General Robinson House on the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth, April 13, 1994. The charter was presented on September 14, 1994, the one hundred and eightieth anniversary of "The Star Spangled Banner". The national anthem was sung and toasts were given to the President of the United States, to the Governor of the State of Delaware, and to Major Peter Jaquett and the Patriots of the American Revolution. Delaware's Governor, Thomas Carper, spoke on the challenges for today's patriots.

Grave markings: The Jaquett Chapter has an active program of marking graves of Revolutionary War patriots and arranged for a state historical marker to be placed near the site of Long Hook, home of Peter Jaquett.

Awards: Each year we present a bronze ROTC Medal, one or more Flag Awards, and Eagle Recognition Certificates to numerous Eagle Scouts. We have instituted an American History Teacher of the Year Award and give six Bronze Good Citizenship Medals to high school history students at our Washington's Birthday celebration.

Youth Contests: In 1998 an essay submitted to the Jaquett Chapter for the Knight Historical Essay Contest was ranked highest in the chapter, state, and national contests. We are proud to have provided an opportunity for a local youth to become a national winner.