Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR

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Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR

Members are all lineal descendants of those who supported the cause of independence in the Revolutionary War.

The Acalanes Chapter, located in Lafayette, California, is part of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, whose members trace their ancestry back to service in the American Revolutionary War. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a non-profit, non-political, non-partisan volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting p

atriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. The content contained herein does not necessarily represent the position of the NSDAR. Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.

04/13/2026

Despite rain and wind, the Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR, proudly marked America 250 on April 11 with a special program and commemoration honoring Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, whose leadership and enduring support of the American cause helped secure independence and strengthened the alliance between France and the United States.
Our meeting featured a fascinating living history presentation by Russ Kaiser, Haslet's Delaware Regiment, and Steve Bowman, SAR member, who brought the Revolutionary War to life by comparing Continental Army soldiers and militia riflemen—demonstrating differences in uniforms, equipment, and battlefield tactics.
Due to the weather, the ceremony was held indoors at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, where Mayor Carl Anduri proclaimed April 2026 in honor of Lafayette, recognizing his vital role in the fight for American independence and his lifelong dedication to liberty. Mary McCosker of the Lafayette Historical Society also shared the story behind the naming of the city of Lafayette.
When the skies cleared, participants marched to the Lafayette statue led by the Young American Patriots Fife and Drum Corps. A commemorative wreath was laid, and the ceremony concluded with patriotic music celebrating the historic French-American alliance. 🎶
📸 Watch the video and see more photos from this special day below!
's Delaware Regiment of The American Friends of Lafayette

03/18/2026

🇺🇸 Acalanes Chapter at State Conference! 🇺🇸
We were proud to attend the California State Society DAR Conference in Burbank earlier this month, represented by chapter members Mary Carrillo, Regent Terry Lucido, and Vanessa Crews.
It was an inspiring few days filled with friendship, learning, and celebration of the incredible work being done across our state—and we are thrilled to share that the Acalanes Chapter was recognized with multiple state awards!
🏆 From literacy promotion
📈 To outstanding membership growth
🎖️ To commemorative events and service contributions
Our chapter’s dedication to historic preservation, education, and patriotism truly shined.
We’re sharing just a few of the certificates we received—each one representing the hard work and heart of our amazing members. ❤️
Thank you to everyone in our chapter who makes this success possible. We are so proud of what we are accomplishing together!

03/04/2026

🇺🇸 Good Citizens — Then and Now 🇺🇸
As we celebrate this year’s DAR Good Citizens, we were delighted to learn that two Acalanes Chapter members were honored as DAR Good Citizens decades ago!
✨ Gail received her award in 1961 at Hillsdale High School from the Anson Burlingame Chapter, NSDAR. She still has her DAR letter, newspaper clippings, congratulatory letter from Congressman J. Arthur Younger, photos from the tea, and her DAR pin.
✨ Anne was honored in 1977 through the Pomona Chapter, NSDAR, while attending Pomona High School. She also saved her chapter notes, newspaper clipping, and her DAR pin.
From student honorees to dedicated DAR members — the legacy continues. ❤️🤍💙

02/25/2026

✨ National Recognition for an Extraordinary Woman ✨
The Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR, was proud to present the NSDAR Women in American History Award to our member, Christi Hockel Davenport, at our February 7 Awards Tea. Christi is an actor, artist, speaker, and powerful self-advocate who demonstrates that people with differences can live, love, and contribute meaningfully to society. Born with Down syndrome, Christi built an independent life alongside her husband and fellow advocate, Austin Davenport, in Dallas—offering an inspiring example of love, courage, and resilience. Her impact reaches far beyond her personal story. Christi has served on the National Down Syndrome Congress Board, spoken at national conferences, emceed major galas, performed with Spotlight Musical Theater, and appeared in the documentary Into the Spotlight. Through teaching, volunteering, and fundraising, she continues to uplift and inspire others. The NSDAR Women in American History Award is a national DAR honor recognizing women who make meaningful contributions to their communities—and Christi truly embodies the spirit of service, cultural innovation, and perseverance.
👏 Congratulations, Christi! We are honored to celebrate your extraordinary achievements.
Christi Hockel-Davenport

02/20/2026

The Acalanes Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), proudly recognized outstanding students and community leaders at our American History, Good Citizens, and NSDAR Awards Tea on February 7 in Moraga.
Area high school seniors were honored through the DAR Good Citizens Program, which celebrates young people who demonstrate dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Middle school students were recognized for their excellent work in the American History Essay Contest, where this year’s topic invited them to imagine meeting a signer of the Declaration of Independence and explain that patriot’s role in achieving American independence.
Congratulations to all of this year’s remarkable winners — your achievements inspire us! 🇺🇸✨

02/14/2026

🇺🇸 A Beautiful Morning of Celebration & Tradition 🇺🇸
On Saturday, February 7, the Acalanes Chapter NSDAR welcomed 80 members and guests to our American History, Good Citizens, and NSDAR Awards Tea — a meaningful gathering honoring excellence, service, and patriotism as we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary.
A special highlight of the day was our stunning table décor. Ten generous members brought their personal china from home, creating beautifully set tables that added elegance and warmth to the celebration. The most “revolutionary” china pattern of the afternoon was the beloved vintage Liberty Blue.
Introduced in the mid-1970s for the nation’s Bicentennial, Liberty Blue was commissioned as a promotional item by Benjamin Franklin Federal Savings and Loan and produced by Staffordshire maker Enoch Wedgwood & Co. Its richly detailed cobalt scenes of historic American landmarks made it an instant favorite. How fitting that these Bicentennial-era dishes graced our tea in 2026, as we begin commemorating America 250 — a lovely bridge between the nation’s 200th and 250th anniversaries.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped make this memorable day so special. 💙 Watch for our next post about the winners!

02/07/2026

Did you know that anyone—not just DAR members—can visit DAR Headquarters? Guided tours of the historic building and DAR Museum are a wonderful way to experience early American history. https://www.dar.org/events/visit-national-headquarters/hours-operation

01/31/2026

So proud of what our chapter accomplished in 2025 💙
Service. History. Education. Community.
✨ Interested in honoring your own patriot ancestor and serving alongside us? We would love to welcome you.
Here’s to an even bigger year ahead as we prepare for America 250! 🇺🇸

01/25/2026

Two of the Acalanes Chapter’s newest members, sisters Kim and Dana, recently uncovered an extraordinary family connection — both are 9th-generation descendants of John Hart, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. After researching their lineage, Chapter Registrar Vanessa Crews identified their documented descent from John Hart, revealing a link to one of America’s Founding Fathers.
John Hart served as a delegate from New Jersey and was one of only 56 men to sign the Declaration in 1776. Because relatively few families can document direct descent from a signer, confirmed lineage to a Founding Father is considered both rare and historically significant.
That discovery reached the next generation as well. Dana later shared:
“Thank you so much Vanessa for all your hard work and genealogical research. My daughter ended up doing her 5th grade heritage project on John Hart — a connection we would not have known about if not for you.”
Her daughter’s school project — shown here — brings this family’s history to life through documents, maps, and images of John Hart and the era he helped shape.
Welcome to the Acalanes Chapter, Kim and Dana!

01/17/2026

This photograph from 1960 features several Acalanes Chapter members whose dedication helped shape our chapter’s early years.
Do you recognize any of these women — or have a memory connected to them? We would love to hear your stories in the comments.

01/16/2026

⭐ Leadership on the State and National Level
From its early decades, members of the Acalanes Chapter contributed leadership far beyond the local level. These materials from the 1960s reflect participation at the Continental Congress and service to the National Society, including candidacy for national office.
Our chapter has always encouraged engagement, leadership, and service at every level of DAR.

Address

Lafayette, CA
94549

Website

https://acalanes.californiadar.org/

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