Welcome to the Los Altos Chapter, NSDAR

California DAR

Webmaster: The introductory content which appears on this page of your site is kept in a centralized location. It will appear on your page, but not in the editor. If you choose not to use this content, let the VIS Administrator (asstweb@californiadar.org) know and she can remove the centralized content. This content can only be changed by VIS.
Any content you add to this page should go below the highlighted paragraphs you are reading. The paragraphs you are reading will not appear in the actual web page. Do not use the Heading 6 style for your content.

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 begin approximately at noon.  And--we especially welcome prospective members!  email us to inquire about membership.

 Read about our chapter's activities and projects and view the calendar of upcoming events.

 

 American History Essay Contest for 5th - 8th Graders and Video Contest for 5th - 12th Graders

The Los Altos Chapter, DAR will sponsor the DAR American History Contest in 2025.  (Our chapter’s 2024 9th-10th grade video winner went on to win the $2500 first prize at National!)

This year’s contest commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our country with the topic: “America will celebrate her 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! If you could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you choose? How did their actions and service contribute to our Country becoming independent?”

Essay Entries:  

  • Essay length:  600 to 1000 words, depending on grade level
  • Divisions:  5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade 
  • Eligibility:  students must live in or attend school in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, or Sunnyvale, California or attend one of the invited Challenger schools.  Students enter as individuals.
  • Prize:  $100 cash prize, medal, certificate.
  • Due date:  entries must be received by 11:59 pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • Information on how to enter the contest will be posted in August.

Video Entries:  

  • Video length:  less than 3 minutes long
  • Divisions:  5th-6th grade, 7th-8th grade, 9th-10th grade and 11th-12th grade
  • Eligibility:  students must live in or attend school in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, or Sunnyvale, California or attend one of the invited Challenger schools.  Students may enter either as individuals or as teams (up to 2 people).
  • Prize:  $200 cash prize per video team, medal, certificate
  • Due date:  entries must be received by  11:59 pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • Information on how to enter the contest will be posted in August.

To learn about the winners of the 2024 American History Contest and view the winning videos, please see this link.

 

Patriots of the American Revolution DAR Essay Contest for 9th - 12th graders

This annual contest challenges high school students to conduct background research, access primary sources, and write an original essay on the topic:  “Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. Figures may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman, or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.”

Entries:

  • Essay length:  between 800 and 1200 words long
  • Divisions:  single contest for grades 9 – 12
  • Eligibility:  students must live in or attend school in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, or Sunnyvale, California or attend one of the invited Challenger schools
  • Prize:  $200 cash prize, medal, certificate
  • Due Date:  entries must be received by 11:59 pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • Information on how to enter the contest will be posted in August.

Awards

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

American 250

The Los Altos Chapter has big plans for celebrating "America 250," the Semiquincentennial of the United States.  In 2025, we'll mark the lead-up to the American Revolution with several lectures and events.  July 4, 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and we'll be celebrating all year.  Check back here and on our online calendar for the latest plans!

See what the DAR is doing today. Check out the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution's channel on YouTube!

and, visit the chapter's Facebook page!

 

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.  Learn more about Today's DAR and email our Los Altos Chapter, DAR for more information or help with your membership application.