Chapter History

Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR
Organized January 12, 1950
Lafayette, California

Our organizing regent, pictured here, lived on a 130-acre ranch in Happy Valley for a time. The Costanoan Indian village “Akalon” was located in Happy Valley until the mid 1800s. Spanish settlers called the people living in the village the “Acalanes.” There was also a Mexican land grant near present-day Lafayette called “Rancho Acalanes.”

The Akalon tribe was the only tribe of Contra Costa County to rebel against the mission system and attempt to remain independent of the Spanish. Our chapter was named to honor the original inhabitants of this area, as well as symbolize the spirit of our American Revolutionary War ancestors.

Today, the Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR ,draws members from Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, and Moraga. Our meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month, January through June and October through December.  We meet regularly in order to share and foster our love of country and its history, as well as our local community. We welcome potential members to join us!