Los Altos Chapter, NSDAR

Los Altos, California

Welcome

The Los Altos Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), has been actively involved in serving our community since February 1950. Our chapter is active in the larger Los Altos community, with monthly meetings and opportunities to get involved in projects and community service. Our members connect in friendship and service, logging hundreds of hours of volunteer time in the community. We welcome visitors to our monthly meetings, and extend a warm welcome to Daughters from other chapters to join us at one of our meetings or events. The public is welcome to attend our monthly program, which begins approximately at noon. And — we especially welcome prospective members! Email us to inquire about membership.

Essay & Video Contests

Our chapter sponsors two history-related competitions for area students each year, the American History Contest and the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest, open to students in grades 5 through 12 who live or attend school in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, or Mountain View, or attend school in several partner districts. Categories include essay and video entries, with topics and questions announced each year in connection with the National Society’s current themes.

Community Awards & Scholarships

Our chapter regularly presents awards, including:

• Community Service Award
• Women in American History Award
• Women in the Arts Recognition Award
• Good Citizen Award (high school senior)
• Historic Preservation Recognition Award
• Foothill College DAR Scholarship

Membership in the DAR provides a unique opportunity to establish a family’s heritage and service to the nation. Daughters are vibrant, active women who are passionate about community service, preserving history, educating children, as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our nation.

See what the DAR is doing today. Check out the National Society’s channel on YouTube, and visit the chapter’s Facebook page!

About Us

The Los Altos Chapter, NSDAR, was organized on February 17, 1950, in Los Altos, California, by Organizing Regent Clara Ferry Smith Caldwell. We have over 50 members representing about 100 Patriot ancestors of the American Revolutionary War, including two Spanish Patriots. For over a century, members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, promotion of education, and patriotism. These goals are as relevant in today’s Society as they were when the organization was founded in 1890.

Who We Are

• We are all women — businesswomen, mothers, grandmothers, teachers, retirees, neighbors, college students, and soldiers.
• We are women who make a difference in our community.

What We Do

• Support education
• Preserve local landmarks and historic structures
• Promote citizenship and patriotism
• Support veterans activities

About Our Name

Los Altos, the Spanish word for “The Heights,” is located thirty-five miles south of San Francisco, down the peninsula and six miles beyond Palo Alto, en route to San Jose. It lies among rolling hills and fertile valleys which have a historical background. After Mission Santa Clara was founded in January 1777, and Mission San Jose de Guadalupe in December of the same year, travelers from San Francisco traversed the valley in increasing numbers, many of them on their way to Monterey, the Spanish capital. During the Mexican War, troops of both sides ranged the Los Altos hills, skirmishing and maneuvering; the final defeat of General Sanchez took place only a short distance south of the present town. The Spaniards named Los Altos, and it is located on the old Rancho San Antonio.

We’d Love to Meet You!

Please send us an email to learn more about the Los Altos Chapter, attend a meeting, or ask about joining DAR. And — follow us on Facebook!

Chapter Board