A preliminary meeting of Seneca Chapter, NSDAR, took place on June 13, 1893, at the home of Ann Elizabeth Swift Martin, the chapter’s first Regent. Present at this meeting were six of the twelve charter members. These six women selected the other six women who collectively are known as Seneca Chapter, NSDAR’s charter members.

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The chapter’s first regular meeting was July 4, 1893, where the first officers were nominated as follows:

•     Harriet Coxe, Vice Regent

•     Margaret Nelson, Secretary

•     Sarah Burrall, Treasurer

•     Jane Ver Planck, Registrar

•     Katharine Butts, Historian

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The chapter took early interest in library services in Geneva by collecting books for the “Historical Alcove” in the Y.M.C.A. Library circa 1903-1905. According to the January 4, 1905, minutes:

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“There were 146 volumes in the bookcase, the framed Insignia of the Society hung over the bookcase, and a large American Flag decorated the alcove.”

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Later that same month, the chapter was already discussing:

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“The question of how to the chapter shall proceed to formulate and adopt some practicable plan to establish a permanent, free, circulating library for the City.”

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Working with other members of the community, the chapter worked regularly from that point on to establish a free library in Geneva, with progress reported at each chapter meeting. By July 4, 1905:
    
“The Regent reported that a provisional charter for five years had been granted the Geneva Free Library.”