‘First Lady of Brownsville’
DAR honors late civic leader Norma Ryan
BROWNSVILLE – Norma Ryan left a lasting impression on her hometown of Brownsville.
Her legacy was celebrated Saturday at a special event conducted by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Fort Necessity Chapter.
The preservationist and civic leader, who died in April 2024 at the age of 92, was posthumously presented a number of awards, including Women in American History Medal, America 250! Commendation Medal and Excellence in Community Service Award/Pin. She also received the Excellence in Historic Preservation award which was also presented to the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC).
“Norma Ryan, the First Lady of Brownsville, is truly deserving of this distinction,” said Gail Matus, DAR Fort Necessity Chapter regent. “A pioneer and civic leader, she played a vital role in preserving the town’s rich heritage while leading transformative revitalization efforts.”
The awards were accepted by Ryan’s son Kevin and daughter, Maureen Landers, both of whom live in Florida.
Norma Ryan co-founded BARC in 1989 as she fought to save and revitalize the town’s historic buildings, such as the Flatiron Building Heritage Museum and Visitor Center located at 69 Market St., in Brownsville’s first post office and BARC’s headquarters.
She was a lifelong community leader in the borough where she owned Norma’s Beauty Shop for more than 40 years. She also served as a member of Brownsville Borough Council and became the borough’s first female mayor in 2002.
Kevin Ryan is a BARC board member and is working to continue his mother’s life work.
“You could see her drive and passion for Brownsville in everything she did,” Kevin Ryan said. “She was so passionate and full of energy. She lived a great life.”
“She was the best mom in the world,” Landers added. “This turnout touches my heart, because Mom meant so much to the community. She did a lot for Brownsville. She loved Brownsville.”
She was nominated for many of the awards by Sarah Griffin, an associate member of DAR Fort Necessity Chapter. Griffin, who also lives in Florida, said Saturday’s event was particularly significant to her. Her father, James Shannon Griffin II, and his ancestors lived in Brownsville for more than a century (1850-1990). Her grandmother, Julia McClelland Griffin, was a prominent member of the Brownsville Historical Society and Brownsville Garden Club. Her grandmother’s property was once owned by War of 1812 Capt. Valentine Giesey, who is buried in Christ Episcopal Churchyard in Brownsville. Giesey served as a host for Gen. Marquis de Lafayette during his farewell tour of the United States
While researching the town of her ancestors, Griffin came upon information about Ryan, and thought she was worthy of being honored.
“It was clear that she deserves these awards,” Griffin said. “I’m so very touched that so many people came out to show just how truly of an inspiration she is, and I hope BARC continues her life’s work.”
In June 2022, Norma Ryan honored Lafayette’s visit to Brownsville during his farewell tour of the United States with a commemorative marker with Julien Icher, who founded The Lafayette Trail Inc. and served on French President Emmanuel Macron’s delegation during Macron’s visit to the United States in 2018.
Icher spoke Saturday about the impact Ryan had on him.
“I wanted to be here for Norma,” he said. “I think she was an incredible human being. I was much younger when I met her the first time. Immediately, her warmth got to me. She was part of my construction as an adult here. I wanted to come here because of what she meant to me. She was a kind individual. She was disciplined.”
In November 2022, the Senator John Heinz History Center celebrated Ryan with a short film called, “The Woman Who Shaped Brownsville.” Ryan died April 30, 2024 at the age of 92. She is interred in Fayette County.