Community Service

At the core of our organization are dedicated, engaged women committed to serving their communities, preserving history, educating future generations, and honoring and supporting those who serve our country. Please contact our chapter regent about DAR support for community events.

"There have been very dedicated daughters who have come before us. It's up to us to honor and continue what they have done."

Jan Maxson
Assistant Historian
New Connecticut Chapter, NSDAR
America250! Committee Chairwoman

America250!

America250! is a nationwide celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. It was established by the U.S. Congress, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The NSDAR's local chapters are actively engaged in projects throughout 2026, including many festivities and educational programs.

We kicked off America250! on July 4, 2023, with a celebration of the first Revolutionary War Marker to be installed in Lake County!

Keep up to date with what's happening in Lake County by visiting America250! Lake County.

Wreaths Across America

Our chapter was the first group in our area to work with Wreaths Across America to help our community remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom. The program is a major fundraiser for veterans. Each year, we check and mark our veterans' graves at Painesville's Evergreen and Riverside Cemeteries. On National Wreaths Across America Day in December, members of our chapter lay a fresh evergreen wreath on these graves and say the veteran's name.

We encourage members of our community to sponsor wreaths by purchasing them on our chapter's Wreaths Across America webpage. We receive funds that allow us to help our veterans, like supporting the Greater Cleveland Fisher House and Honoring Our Heroes, which makes repairs on veterans' houses. Since 2024, we have also been able to provide an annual $1,000 scholarship to a veteran or active-duty service member who attends Lakeland Community College.

Scholarships

The New Connecticut Chapter, NSDAR, accepts and judges essays for national contests, and the chapter’s chosen essays are sent to the Ohio state society for consideration. We also offer a Good Citizen scholarship to a student in Lake or Geauga counties. Please contact us for more information.

Our chapter also provides an annual $1,000 scholarship to a veteran or active-duty service member who is attending Lakeland Community College. This scholarship is made possible through the Wreaths Across America Program. Please contact us for more information.

Educational Programs

The Daughters of the American Revolution are committed to promoting education and fostering an appreciation for American history among young people. Through engaging educational programs, members of our chapter bring history to life for elementary school students, helping them better understand the events and individuals who shaped our nation. Activities have included interactive learning experiences, like the reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, where students take on the roles of colonists and participate in recreating this pivotal event of the American Revolution.

Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremonies

It is our privilege to recognize and thank veterans for their service to our country. The freedoms we enjoy today are possible because of their dedication and sacrifice.

When we present a DAR Veterans Pin, it represents gratitude, respect, and admiration for what a veteran has done in service to our country. It is a way to thank them for their commitment to preserving the ideals of liberty and patriotism.

Marking Graves of Veterans

We fulfill DAR’s commitment to patriotism and ensure that the legacy of our veterans continues to be recognized and respected. With gratitude, chapter members honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans by marking their graves at Painesville’s Riverside and Evergreen Cemeteries in preparation of National Wreaths Across America Day and Memorial Day. These meaningful tributes serve as visible reminders that the courage and dedication of those who served our country will never be forgotten.

George Washington’s Birthday Tea

Each year, in February, our chapter gathers for an afternoon tea to commemorate George Washington’s Birthday, born on February 22, 1732. It's a special time for members and guests to reflect on Washington’s legacy of patriotism, leadership, and service to our nation. Through fellowship and historical presentations, we celebrate the principles of Washington and his impact on our country. This is also a time for us to invite scholarship recipients and Ohio State DAR officers to make the event even more special.

Community Ceremonies & Celebrations

From a flag-raising ceremony to a heritage tree planting, there are many activities that our members participate in throughout the year. It might be a parade, a flag retirement ceremony, work to repurpose flag stars for a veteran recognition, community picnics, or a veterans' concert to raise program funds; we are ever present in our community!

In July, we host or co-host "Christmas in July" in support of Wreaths Across America. During the holidays, we look forward to a special gathering of celebration and fellowship made possible by our members who excel in hospitality and decorating.

There is a place for every woman to contribute, learn, and serve within the New Connecticut Chapter!