Illini Chapter, NSDAR

08/29/2026

Regent, Becky Piliponis, and Vice Regent, Karen Johnson, participated in District II Regent’s Roundtable in Creston, IL today.

We had plenty of food, wonderful conversations, and learned a lot from District II Director, Laurie Perry.

08/23/2026

Illini Chapter participating in the Grand Ridge parade today. We had so much fun!

08/22/2026

Illini Chapter attended DAR Days today in Lisle.

Becky presented information and chapter challenges on the new E Pluribus Unum (EPU) State committee!

08/21/2026

Illini and Princeton Chapters enjoying DAR Days in Springfield today.

08/14/2026

August 14, 1765, Boston's Sons of Liberty gathered beneath a great elm tree to protest the Stamp Act, Britain's first direct tax on the American colonies. They hung an effigy of the local stamp tax collector from its branches, and that elm soon earned a new name: the Liberty Tree.

It became a rallying point for Patriots in the years that followed, a living symbol that resistance to ""taxation without representation"" could take root and grow.

Eleven years before independence was declared, the seeds of revolution were already being planted.

08/02/2026

🇺🇸📜 August 2nd is the day the Founders actually put pen to parchment!🇺🇸📜

Congress approved the Declaration on July 4, 1776 — but the formal parchment copy wasn’t engrossed and signed until August 2. On July 19, Congress ordered the Declaration to be “fairly engrossed” on parchment and signed by every member. Timothy Matlack, a Philadelphia scribe, hand-lettered the document. On August 2nd, the delegates gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and began signing — John Hancock first, centered and bold, followed by delegates organized by state from New Hampshire to Georgia.

Learn More on our upcoming podcast! us.constitutingamerica.org/Aug_4

56 men ultimately signed. Not all were present that day. Some signed later. Some who voted for independence on July 4th had already left Congress. Some who signed on August 2nd hadn't even been delegates on the 4th.

Every signature was an act of treason against the Crown — and an act of faith in a new nation. 🇺🇸

07/27/2026

Here’s an exclusive sneak peek of DAR's new electronic application platform before its official launch.

Even more exciting? eApps has already been nominated for the 2026 UX Design Awards Public Choice Award! Out of more than 500 projects from 46 countries, it was selected to be featured in this year's international exhibition. Every vote helps showcase the innovation happening at DAR.

Vote for DAR through August 21 here:
https://ux-design-awards.com/winners/2026-2-dar-a-guided-path-to-dar-membership

eApps is the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution's digital application experience, reimagined as a guided, family-first companion. The pl…

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six courageous patriots affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, boldly proclaiming that the American colonies were "Free and Independent States." Their vision, courage, and willingness to sacrifice forever changed the course of history and gave birth to a nation founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and self-government.

As proud descendants of those who achieved American independence, the members of NSDAR, honor their legacy not only by remembering their sacrifices, but by continuing their spirit of service. Through historic preservation, education, and patriotism, we strive to keep the ideals of the American Revolution alive for future generations.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through the courage and determination of those who came before us. Their legacy is ours to preserve, protect, and pass on.

Today, we proudly fly the American flag, celebrate our nation's birth, and give thanks to the patriots whose devotion to liberty made the United States of America possible.

🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

07/02/2026

Countdown to America 250: The Next Chapter of our Mission

With just two days until Independence Day, take a moment to reflect on what our ancestors were experiencing at this very moment so many years ago — knowing that independence was within reach and that the future of a new nation rested in their hands. Today, we have a remarkable opportunity not only to celebrate our nation’s journey, but also to renew our commitment to DAR’s mission and purpose. For DAR, this anniversary carries especially profound meaning. Through our Patriot ancestors, we share a personal connection to the soldiers, statesmen, and everyday men and women who united and achieved the extraordinary. Through DAR’s enduring mission of Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism, our members continue the important work of our founders.

For 135 years, DAR has preserved the places, records, and artifacts that bring America’s history to life. We encourage you to continue preserving America’s story through efforts like placing commemorative markers, restoring historic cemeteries, and protecting treasured landmarks. Utilize all DAR’s great Historic Preservation resources — including Historic Preservation Grants, Historic Sites and Properties Database and DAR Marker and Grave Location Index — and find your role in carrying history forward.

The American Revolution was fueled by powerful ideas of freedom, civic responsibility, curiosity, and learning — values that continue to inspire DAR’s commitment to education today. Members support scholarships, literacy programs, educational initiatives, and opportunities that encourage lifelong learning. Through these efforts, DAR connects new generations to America’s history while inspiring them to explore, question, and discover the stories that shaped our nation. Explore DAR’s education resources, including Constitution Week, educational grants, the Education Commission, and traveling exhibits, to discover ways to bring America’s story to life.

Through service, civic engagement, and support for those who serve, patriotism is demonstrated through meaningful action in our communities and beyond. DAR members honor the legacy of their Patriot ancestors by supporting veterans, active-duty service members, military families, first responders, and community organizations. DAR’s patriotism initiatives, including Project Patriot events, VOW Grants supporting women veterans, support of the Military Women’s Memorial, provide opportunities to continue this important work. Together, we can honor the past while strengthening the future through service and dedication to our communities.

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded that DAR’s mission is as meaningful today as it was at its founding. We hope you will continue drawing inspiration from our three mission areas of Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism.

07/02/2026