WINSLOW — Silence Howard Hayden Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a joint meeting Oct. 8.

Helen Shaw, the Maine State Registrar and a certified genealogist, discussed accessing vital records in the State of Maine. The rules for accessing records have been revised as of Sept. 28, so call ahead. She said there are three venues for obtaining vital records: the Vital Records Unit of the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics; the Maine State Archives; and the municipal offices. Under the new law, vital records fall into three categories, each with its own regulations and rules for access. These categories are: vital records before 1892, open vital records and closed vital records.

Shaw also talked about Maine’s path of legislation.

Attendees presented talking points on topics including the Constitution, conservation, the DAR insignia, women’s issues and Project Patriot.

Carolyn Kelley, the Maine State Historian and a volunteer at Togus, spoke about the need for volunteers at Togus to help with clerical work; drivers and escorts are also needed. She also announced the annual Stand Down, taking place today, for homeless veterans in Maine. Veterans are brought to Togus and given food and clothing. She said that 25 cabins will be erected in the near future for temporary shelter for homeless veterans, and volunteers are needed to help with the construction.

Maine State Vice Regent Sandra Swallow announced upcoming statewide meetings to address filling out the Master Questionnaire and the proper way to write reports. These meetings will include a morning session and a break for a bring-your-own bag lunch, followed by an afternoon session. The meetings will be held Nov. 5 in Madison and Nov. 19 in Bangor. More detailed information will be posted on the members-only Dirigo website.

Several DAR chapters attended, including Lady Knox, Frances Dighton Williams, Esther Eayres, Fort Halifax and Eunice Farnsworth-Ruth Heald Cragin.