Chapter Activities and Projects
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What We Do
The Acalanes Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), based in Central Contra Costa County, promotes patriotism, preserves American history, and supports education through meaningful, hands-on service and community engagement. Our chapter’s activities reflect our dedication to honoring the past while serving the present.
America 250 – Commemorating the Nation’s Founding
In preparation for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, the Acalanes Chapter is contributing to the national DAR commemoration through several ongoing projects:
Patriot Marker Installation
We installed a permanent bronze DAR Patriot Marker at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center to honor the Revolutionary War patriots connected to our chapter’s members. This public marker serves as a lasting tribute to those who helped secure America’s freedom.
Patriot Minute Biographies
We research and share short biographical sketches of Revolutionary War patriots descended from our members. These “Patriot Minutes” are published weekly on social media and in chapter newsletters to highlight personal stories of courage and sacrifice from the founding generation.
Virtual Patriot Cemetery
We created and maintain a Virtual Cemetery on FindAGrave.com, preserving the memory of our chapter patriots with accurate historical records, grave memorials, and family connections.
Fourth of July in Orinda
We participate each year in Orinda’s Fourth of July parade and community celebration, proudly representing DAR with patriotic displays, historical costumes, and educational handouts for families and children.
Local Service & Community Engagement
Our chapter is actively involved in local projects that reflect DAR’s mission and values:
Wreaths Across America
Each December, we sponsor and help lay wreaths on more than 300 veterans’ graves at Lafayette Cemetery. We coordinate this event with the City of Lafayette, veterans’ groups, and community volunteers. After a brief ceremony with live Taps, we distribute wreaths by hand, honoring each veteran by name.
Educational Programs and Recognition
We support youth education and civic awareness through:
- The DAR Good Citizens Award, which honors high school seniors selected by their schools for leadership, dependability, and patriotism.
- The American History Essay Contest, which invites middle school students to reflect on historical topics and write essays judged on historical accuracy, originality, and clarity. Winners are honored at a chapter event.
- Constitution Week displays at local libraries.
Genealogical Support and Member Outreach
We host friendly coffee gatherings where prospective members can learn about the DAR, get help tracing their ancestry to a Revolutionary War patriot, and connect with others interested in preserving history.
Volunteer Projects
Acalanes Chapter members regularly participate in service activities such as food sorting at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and supporting local preservation efforts through cleanup and educational events.
Public Programs and Commemorations
Our chapter hosts and supports public history programs that educate and inspire:
- In April 2025, we co-sponsored a community lecture on the Marquis de Lafayette and his role in the American Revolution, held at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
- We followed the lecture with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Lafayette statue in Plaza Park to honor General Lafayette’s legacy and his enduring connection to our community.
- During Constitution Week in September, we install educational displays at the Orinda Library and offer free U.S. Constitution booklets and children’s activity sheets to visitors.
Learn more about the Acalanes Chapter on Instagram and Facebook.