Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR

08/10/2026

America 250 History Comes Alive in Lafayette 🇺🇸
What a wonderful evening! More than 100 guests joined the Acalanes Chapter NSDAR at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center for our sold-out presentation by historian Emily Sneff, author of When the Declaration of Independence Was News.
Through a fascinating presentation filled with images and stories, Emily took us back to the summer of 1776 and explored how the Declaration moved from Congress into the hands—and lives—of people throughout America and beyond. With no radio, television or internet, news traveled through printed broadsides, newspapers, public readings, personal letters and even translations.

We learned not only how the news spread, but how women, people of color, Native Americans and enslaved people encountered the Declaration and considered what its words might mean for them.

Following the presentation, Dr. Michael Baker of the Commonwealth Club of California moderated a lively Q&A, and guests had the opportunity to meet Emily and have their books signed.

Our heartfelt thanks to our program partners, the Lafayette Historical Society and the Commonwealth Club of California, to Orinda Books for providing books for the evening, and to the many Acalanes members and volunteers who helped make the program possible.

As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, evenings like this remind us that history is much more than dates and documents—it is the story of people experiencing extraordinary events without knowing how they would turn out.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable America 250 evening! 🇺🇸
For more from Emily Sneff, including videos, podcast appearances, and additional resources about her work on the Declaration of Independence, visit her website: https://www.emilysneff.com/speaking

07/21/2026

🇺🇸 Looking for something interesting to see at the Lafayette Library?
If you're visiting the Lafayette Library and Learning Center over the next few weeks, take a few minutes to explore E Pluribus Unum: Many Stories, One Nation, a free exhibit created by the Acalanes Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

The exhibit shares the stories of women Patriots, Patriots of Color, Native American allies, French and Spanish allies, and others whose contributions helped shape our nation's founding. You'll also learn how news of the Declaration of Independence spread throughout the colonies in 1776 and discover people and perspectives often left out of traditional history books.

📍 On display through August 18
📍 Lafayette Library and Learning Center
🎟️ Free during regular library hours

While you're there, be sure to pick up a free printed copy of the Declaration of Independence (while supplies last).

We hope you'll stop by and enjoy this special community exhibit as we commemorate America 250! 🇺🇸

07/14/2026

At the request of the Acalanes Chapter, the City of Orinda issued this America 250 Proclamation recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and encouraging community participation in the national commemoration.

07/14/2026

Our 2026 America 250 events will conclude with a presentation by author, Emily Sneff, on her book, When the Declaration Was News.

07/14/2026

Acalanes Chapter Regent Terry L. stands with the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors following the presentation of the County's America 250 Proclamation. Requested by the chapter, the proclamation recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the importance of educating the community about our nation's founding.

07/14/2026

07/12/2026

🇺🇸 When Patriots Never Came Home
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the stories of ordinary Patriot families remind us of the personal cost of the Revolutionary War.
One such Patriot was Jonathan Smith, an ancestor of Acalanes Chapter member Alyce T. Born in Suffield, Connecticut, in 1742, Jonathan married Bethia Doolittle, and together they were raising six young children when he answered the call to serve his country. Jonathan enlisted as a private in the 5th Connecticut Regiment. On October 4, 1777, during the Battle of Germantown, he disappeared. He was listed as missing and never returned home.
At the time of his disappearance, Bethia was pregnant with their sixth child. Their youngest son was born on February 1, 1778, four months after his father vanished. Bethia never remarried, raising all six children on her own while carrying forward Jonathan's legacy.
Stories like Jonathan and Bethia Smith's remind us that the American Revolution was fought not only by famous generals and statesmen, but also by ordinary families who sacrificed everything in the cause of liberty.
These are the kinds of stories that help bring the Revolution to life. Join us on Thursday, August 6, at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center for a free presentation by historian Emily Sneff, author of When the Declaration of Independence Was News. Discover how news of independence spread across America—and how it touched families like the Smiths in ways that would be remembered for generations.
🎟️ Reserve your free seat:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-when-the-declaration-of-independence-was-news-by-emily-sneff-tickets-1988023389474?aff=oddtdtcreator
Pictured: Cenotaph memorial for Jonathan Smith at the Saratoga National Cemetery in an area reserved for those without physical remains.

07/04/2026

As America celebrates its 250th birthday this Fourth of July, be sure to stop by the Lafayette Historical Society's new display, located on the wall outside Whole Foods and across from Blue Gingko, honoring the Bicentennial Farewell Tour of the Marquis de Lafayette.

Who was Lafayette, and why does he still matter today? Born in France in 1757, the Marquis de Lafayette was just 19 when he defied his king and sailed to America in 1777 to join the fight for independence. Though he had little military experience, he quickly became a trusted ally of General George Washington. Lafayette helped secure vital French support for the American cause, and his leadership contributed to the victory at Yorktown.

After returning to France, Lafayette championed democratic reforms and played an important role in the French Revolution. His beliefs eventually led to five years of imprisonment before he regained his freedom in 1797.

In 1824, Lafayette returned to the United States as the “Nation’s Guest,” visiting all 24 states. His legacy inspired communities across the country—including our own—to bear his name.

Our Lafayette traces its name to Adeline Gorham Shreve, whose home was Lafayette County, Wisconsin. In 1850, she and her husband, Benjamin Shreve, opened Lafayette’s first general store (today’s Sideboard Restaurant). When Benjamin applied to establish a post office, his first choice, “Centerville,” had already been taken. Adeline suggested “Lafayette” in honor of her home county, and the name was accepted. The Lafayette Post Office officially opened in 1857.

The Marquis de Lafayette died in 1834 and is buried in Paris’s Picpus Cemetery beneath American soil, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the United States and France. Every Fourth of July, a ceremony is held at his grave in recognition of his remarkable contributions to American independence.

07/01/2026

🇺🇸 Sign the Declaration of Independence! 📜
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary by adding your name to a giant reproduction of the Declaration of Independence! The Acalanes Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), invites the community to take part in this fun, family-friendly activity inspired by our nation's founding.

📍 Thursday, July 2 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Lafayette Library & Learning Center Amphitheater

📍 Saturday, July 4 | 8:30 am - noonish
Orinda Library and Community Center Plaza

Visit our Welcome Table, sign the Declaration and learn more about America's founding. Children and adults are all welcome! While you're there, pick up a complimentary pocket-sized copy of the Declaration of Independence and discover the stories of the men and women who helped create our nation.
We hope you'll stop by and help us celebrate America 250 by becoming part of history—one signature at a time!

06/25/2026

🇺🇸 Many Stories, One Nation
As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Acalanes Chapter, NSDAR invites you to visit our new exhibit at the Orinda Library:
E Pluribus Unum: Many Stories, One Nation
This America 250 display explores the broader story of the American Revolution, highlighting Patriots of Color, Native American patriots, women patriots, and others whose contributions helped secure American independence.
The exhibit challenges us to look beyond familiar images and discover the many individuals whose courage, service, and sacrifice helped create our nation.
📍 Orinda Library
📅 On display now
Later this summer, the exhibit will travel to the Lafayette and Moraga libraries.
Bring a friend, explore the stories, and join us in celebrating America's 250th anniversary.