Redwood Forest Chapter, NSDAR

Eureka, California

Welcome

Tucked away on the far northern coast of California, among the towering redwoods, is the small town of Eureka. Eureka and its surrounding area are home to the Redwood Forest Chapter, NSDAR. The Redwood Forest Chapter, NSDAR, was officially organized on May 17, 1923. The first official meeting was held on October 14, 1923, when our first Chapter Regent, Bertha Murray, presided.

Three of the first Daughters were descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence: Abraham Clark, William Emery, and John Adams.

Today’s DAR

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About Us

The three main objectives of NSDAR are historic preservation, the promotion of education, and patriotic endeavor. The Redwood Forest Chapter, NSDAR, has participated in historic preservation in many ways during its long history.

One way is by the placement of several markers on the stretch of highway known as the Avenue of the Giants. Another way is by its activism in preserving the Avenue of the Giants: after a bill was passed by the California State Legislature to put money aside to preserve the Avenue, certain lawmakers began a campaign to reverse the decision and use the funds elsewhere. The ladies of the Redwood Forest Chapter, NSDAR, began a letter-writing campaign to their legislators insisting that the funds be used as originally intended.

The chapter has also placed several markers in Jedediah Smith State Park, located just north of Crescent City in Del Norte County, close to the Oregon border, and another marking the “Indian Treaty Tree” at Korbel. This tree, noted as being leafless and not particularly beautiful, marked the boundary lines between the coastal and mountain tribes of Native Americans located in this area — it is said that those traveling the trail tied evergreen twigs to the tree to mark the peace between the tribes.

The Redwood Forest Chapter, NSDAR, contributes to the promotion of education by supporting DAR Good Citizens awards, presented to high school seniors who have shown that they excel in dependability, service to others, leadership, and patriotism, with a medal and a small cash donation. Other awards are given to grades five through eight for the American History essay contest: every year a theme is assigned, and students from different schools in the area are given a chance to submit their best work, with award certificates and medals presented at a special reception.

The chapter has contributed to conservation efforts, including a nationwide effort to plant trees in honor of George Washington’s 200th birthday celebration, and the preservation of Azalea Park.

The chapter promotes patriotism and volunteerism by placing flags at the graves of veterans at Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery in Eureka for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The cemetery was established in 1861 when local man Thomas Dean donated a portion of his farm; it holds over 6,000 recorded burials, including early prominent local pioneers, founders, and more than 230 military veterans. Redwood Forest Chapter has been involved in an ongoing project to replace missing and damaged veteran headstones at the cemetery.

2026 - 2028 Chapter Board