Local Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter Prepares for Nation’s 250th Birthday
The national Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was chartered in 1890 as a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization. Since then, it has brought together women from around the world who share a common bond.
In Nevada, Missouri, the local DAR chapter dates back to June 14, 1913, when the Elizabeth Carey Chapter was established on Flag Day. Now, as the United States approaches its 250th birthday, members are busy planning upcoming celebrations while also reflecting on more than a century of impact and how they continue that work across Vernon and Cedar counties.
To join, members must document a direct family line to someone who supported the American Revolution, a task that often requires thorough family research. The chapter currently includes 54 members, with 32 living locally and staying actively involved in its mission. In addition to monthly meetings, these members attend regional, state and national events to connect with other DAR groups and recognize achievements throughout the organization.
The national mission centers on volunteerism and three core principles. Jenise Burch, the chapter’s regent, said those values shape everything the group does.
“The whole mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution organization is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism,” she said. “So, our programs and activities all revolve around those three things.”
For some members, the research process leads to unexpected discoveries. Judith Herstein, the chapter’s vice regent, traced her lineage back to a Revolutionary War patriot named David Cutler. He was part of the Lexington alarm, which was an early call that spread news of the war’s start. She said learning about that connection gave her a deeper appreciation for her family’s role in the country’s history.
To support historic preservation, the organization works with the local library to fund the conversion of newspapers to microfilm. This project helps document and protect the area’s story for future generations.
Education is a big part of their work and keeps members busy and connected to students. As part of those efforts, members partner with the Bushwhacker Museum to support programs that highlight local history and help bring it to life for the community.
During Constitution Week each September, members visit classrooms across Vernon and Cedar counties to share lessons on American history. One member presents in historical costume, traveling to multiple schools and helping bring those stories to life for the students.
The chapter also engages students through academic programs that encourage them to explore history. Each year, the organization sponsors an American History Essay Contest for fifth through 12th graders, with topics that challenge them to consider the people and events that shaped the country. This year, members are especially excited about the success of one local participant.
“We were very excited this year that we have a young lady who was the state essay winner on the eighth-grade level,” Herstein said. In addition, the Good Citizen Contest recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate strong character, leadership and service. These students are selected for the honor by their teachers and peers.
Along with education and preservation, the organization is dedicated to patriotism in its meetings and through its community outreach. Members begin each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, the American’s Creed and the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
The organization is eagerly anticipating this summer’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Members are planning many activities for the occasion, including a booth and parade entry for Bushwhacker Days as well as participation in local Fourth of July events.
One of the upcoming projects is the planting of Liberty Trees throughout the area. The organization plans to place trees in several communities across Vernon and Cedar counties, with each featuring a plaque recognizing the donation. The effort is inspired by the original Liberty Trees where early Americans gathered during the Revolutionary era.
Another project planned for the summer includes displaying patriotic banners around the Nevada town square. Each banner will feature the name of a Revolutionary War patriot connected to a chapter member along with the state they represented.
For many members, the work is personal. Herstein said joining the organization gave her a deeper connection to her own family history.
“It touches my heart that I had someone who fought for the freedom I enjoy,” she said. That connection has also become a family experience. “I have a daughter who has joined, and I have two granddaughters who are junior members,” she said. “It’s a family affair.”
Burch, a former teacher, said seeing the group's impact in local classrooms is especially meaningful.
“I always felt like patriotism was very important to instill, especially in young people,” she said.
Both women said those lessons remain relevant today. Herstein noted that she sees parallels between the past and present.
“History somewhat repeats itself,” she said. “Today, we need to fight for those freedoms just as much as they did in 1776. Nothing is free. And if you ignore it, it’ll go away.”
Burch agreed, adding that helping younger generations understand those foundations is part of the chapter’s role. She said young people often hear about current events from a variety of sources but may not always learn what the nation’s founders intended.
“Young people don’t necessarily learn what the founding fathers felt was important. The Constitution was written to protect all individuals,” she said.
Providing a sense of historical perspective is a responsibility the members take seriously as they look toward the future. By bridging the gap between the founders' intentions and the present day, the group helps ensure the country's foundations continue to be understood and valued by every generation.
