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.
Essay & Video Contests
Our chapter sponsors two history-related competitions to area students*, the American History Contest and the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest.
Eligibility*: schoolchildren who live or attend school in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills or Mountain View; or attend school in the Sunnyvale Elementary School District, King's Academy, French-American School (Sunnyvale), Challenger-Sunnyvale, Challenger-Berryessa, Challenger-Strawberry Park
Grades 5 through 8: American History Essay and Video contests
2026-27 Topic: Announcement of the Declaration of Independence First Public Reading
Question: To announce independence from Great Britain, the Declaration of Independence was publicly read in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Following this reading, the word spread throughout the colonies in newspapers, more public readings, and posted notices. Imagine you lived in Philadelphia or an area of the colonies where news did not reach you for weeks. How would you react to hearing the Declaration read in your community? With whom would you share the news? What action would you take after hearing it? How would this have impacted your life?
Open to Grades 5–8
Essay Length 300-1,000 words, depending on grade level
Video Length 3 minutes (MP4 format)
Entries will be due to the Los Altos Chapter by 11:59 pm Saturday October 31, 2026. Entry information and rules will be posted later in August.
To learn about the winners of the 2024 American History Video Contest and view the winning videos, please see this link.
Grades 9 through 12: Essay and Video contests
Question: “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.”
Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest: essay length 800-1200 words
American History Video Contest: video length 3 minutes (MP4 format)
Entries will be due to the Los Altos Chapter by 11:59 pm Saturday October 31, 2026. Entry information and rules will be posted later in August.
*Students who are not eligible for the Los Altos Chapter's contests because of where they live or attend school may contact their local DAR chapter or get contest information at www.dar.org/national-society/education/essay-contests
“A Moment that Helped Shape America” Poster Contest
Los Altos Chapter sponsored a poster contest with the Los Altos History Museum as part of commemorating America's 250th birthday. Students in grades 3-12 were invited to create a poster highlighting an important event or person since the Declaration of Independence in 1776 that made a lasting impact on the nation. Winners are on display at the Los Altos History Museum as part of their exhibit "Spirit of '76: Reflecting on America's 250th."
Community Awards and 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
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.