Chapter Activities and Projects

The main objectives of the DAR are:

Historic Preservation - to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence; Educational - to carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, "to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion…"; and Patriotic - to cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.

To support these objectives, the Santa Lucia Chapter, NSDAR, is involved in the following activities:

Historic Preservation

Our chapter lends support in preserving the historic First Mayor's House, a beautiful historic Victorian home. In June 2012, the Santa Lucia Chapter, NSDAR, placed a DAR plaque at this historic site to commemorate our chapter's history with the house. The First Mayor's House is currently a museum and education center.

 

Constitution Week Celebrations

Our chapter honors Constitution Week annually in a variety of ways. In September we sometimes create a month-long display in a local library to commemorate this important occasion. We participate in Bells Across America, fly our flags, and obtain proclamations from our city mayor.

Serving as “Virtual Volunteers”

The NSDAR seeks volunteers to log lineage records and other documentation. Some of our members are assisting with these various genealogical records. One member received recognition for her concentrated effort in indexing hardbound books onto computer discs for future reference. 

Participating in Community Events and Patriotic Activities

Our chapter enjoys participating in parades, memorial ceremonies, and community celebrations.  We had fun donning handmade mob caps to join in parades in our community. We commemorate historic events such as the Signing of the Treaty of Paris, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Flag Day, Veteran's Day, and other important events in our country's history.

Conservation Efforts

Our chapter has "gone green." Our chapter has planted trees to assist with beautification projects. A monthly newsletter is sent to all members, the majority of which are emailed to members with internet access to save paper.

Recognizing Students

Through essay contests, history contests, and the DAR Good Citizens program for senior high school students, our chapter is active in supporting students in our community. The student who receives the DAR Good Citizens award receives a DAR Good Citizens pin, certificate, wallet recognition card, and a monetary award. This student then becomes eligible to enter the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest. In addition, we honor ROTC units in our area with medals and recognition at our annual Awards Program and Tea.

Helping DAR Schools

Our chapter is honored to be active in assisting NSDAR recognized schools, including two DAR schools, two schools for American Indian students, and three other DAR-approved schools. 

Project Patriot and Serving Our Veterans

Our Santa Lucia Chapter, NSDAR, has donated to a Fisher House in the Northern California region. Supporting America's military in their time of need, Fisher House provides "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time; during hospitalization for an illness, disease, or injury. 

 

A mailbag full of Christmas cards for our wounded warriors.

We also collect dozens of calendars each year which are donated to veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. We have adopted troops and sent care packages. As part of our participation in DAR Project Patriot, we send dozens of holiday cards and treats to our seriously wounded active-duty military personnel who are receiving care at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. We collect personal items for Fisher House and other programs that serve our veterans. One of our current projects is making lap blankets for veterans at the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital.

Providing Flags and Pocket Constitution Books

We are proud to see the American flag, a symbol of our country, promoted and used properly. Our chapter provides flags to schools, libraries, and various other places. We also give certificates of appreciation to local businesses that proudly fly the American flag. We provide pocket Constitution books to graduating seniors in our local high schools.

Community Volunteering

We are an active group of women who strive to make positive contributions in our communities. Many of our members are involved in our community as volunteers in libraries, schools, and museums, including coaching for the First Tee Youth Golf Program, gardening at the First Mayor’s House, tutoring children at schools and libraries, and serving as a volunteer of the Valley Guild for the Steinbeck House.

 

 

 The historic Steinbeck House where author John Steinbeck was raised.

 

Photos Courtesy of Chapter Archives

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution