Mission
As the first NSDAR chapter in the country, our members are actively involved in a variety of projects and endeavors that support the mission of the National Society. Our chapter has a 130-year history of uniting women from across Chicago, from socialites to social workers, suffragists, and organizers, as well as war relief volunteers and military veterans.
Our chapter is comprised of a strong and diverse membership, and we are consistently growing and changing to serve and support veterans, educators, families, students, and the greater community.
Our Projects
Stars & Stripes Forever
DAR Service to America
Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever and Rejoice in Our DAR Ties of Friendship
Newberry Fellowship
Literacy and Education
Funding a teacher fellowship to utilize the Newberry Library's collections for K - 12 education projects
Jesse Brown Center
Service to Veterans
Collecting and purchasing clothing and shoes for distribution, as well as hosting social events for patients
Open Books
Literacy and Education
Donating funds to provide books for 16,000 of Chicago's under-resourced Pre-K-12th grade students
Day of Service
Historic Preservation
Celebrating the founding of DAR by cleaning and photographing tombstones in Chicago-area cemeteries
Honor Flights
Service to Veterans
Writing cards and greeting war veterans after their one-of-kind trip to Washington, D.C.
Our Committees
Historic Preservation
America 250!
Our Patriot Stories
American Heritage
Commemorative Events
National Day of Service
Conservation
Education
DAR Scholarships
DAR Good Citizens Program
Chapter Scholarships
Illinois DAR Scholarships
DAR Schools
Literacy Promotion
Patriotism
American Indians
DAR Service for Veterans
Reserve Officers Training Corps Medals
Women’s Issues
"Diligent. Attentive. Respectful."
Illinois DAR Motto
Illinois State Regent, Debra Ross Coe