Chester, Illinois: The Liberty Bell of the West Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is conducting a membership drive as part of a nationwide celebration to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. All women who can document descent from a Revolutionary War Patriot are encouraged to consider the many benefits of joining the vibrant service organization, which has promoted historic preservation, education and patriotism since its formation in 1890.

“Our chapter, which was organized in July 2002, carries out the important mission of the National Society here on the local level,” said Chapter Regent Joan Montroy. “We are eager to welcome new members to our chapter, and we have volunteers available to help them research and complete their genealogy in order to apply for membership.”

Due to the ability to exchange and obtain genealogical information over the internet, interest in joining the DAR is at an all-time high, with six of the highest years of application submittals occurring in the last decade. The Genealogical Research System (GRS), which is a free online resource provided by the DAR to aid general genealogical research and to assist with the DAR membership process, has made joining the DAR even more accessible to many women. Explore these resources at www.dar.org/grs.

“Truly, there has never been a more exciting time to join the DAR. We offer today’s busy woman an opportunity to celebrate the joys of American citizenship in meaningful ways, and we are enthusiastic about the future of our Society,” said National Society DAR President General Lynn Forney Young, who noted that there are currently nearly 180,000 members of the DAR, serving in nearly 3,000 chapters across the nation and in several foreign countries. “I extend a warm invitation to all eligible women to join us in a rewarding future of service to America.”

Since its founding 125 years ago, more than 940,000 women have been inducted into membership. During the current three-year administration coinciding with the 125th anniversary celebration, the organization has issued a challenge to complete 10 million hours of service to America. Local DAR chapters nationwide are coordinating service projects in honor of DAR’s 125th anniversary throughout the year and members from coast to coast will participate in the National DAR Day of Service on October 11, 2015.

“From caring for veteran patients to assisting active duty service personnel, from preserving locations of historic significance to welcoming new citizens, there are thousands of ways that Daughters are proudly answering the call to service in their local communities,” said Montroy.

Montroy invited women who are interested in membership to visit www.DAR.org and to contact the local chapter at libertybellofthewest@gmail.com to obtain more information.

Chester, IL: The Liberty Bell of the West Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be

servicing the shrine of the Liberty Bell of the West State Historic Site on Kaskaskia Island, in honor of

the 125th anniversary of the founding of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution

which is being celebrated throughout this year. The Liberty Bell of the West will also be participating and

volunteering at Chester's Evergreen Cemetery Event this year. The DAR, which is comprised of the

descendants of the Patriots who won American independence, was founded on October 11, 1890, as a

service organization to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Members of the local Liberty Bell of the West Chapter will be preparing the shrine for winter by

giving the door a fresh coat of paint and sprucing up the windows with some paint as well. They will also

be preparing the surrounding flower beds for winter and overall grounds sweeping. At Evergreen

Cemetery, on October 18th,  Chapter members will be assisting with planned events and some members

will be reenacting their revolutionary ancestors, while others will be reenacting their ancestors who are

buried in Evergreen Cemetary.

“Our chapter, which was organized in July 2002, carries out the important mission of the National

Society here on the local level,” said Chapter Regent Joan Montroy. “We’re excited to demonstrate the

vibrancy and contributions of today’s DAR by serving our local community as Daughters have been

doing throughout the nation for 125 years.”

There are currently nearly 180,000 members of the DAR, serving in approximately 3,000 chapters

across the nation and in several foreign countries. More than 940,000 women have joined the organization

since its founding 125 years ago.

 “Interest in membership is at all-time highs due to both the ability to share genealogical

information through the internet and the fact that we offer today’s busy woman a meaningful opportunity

to express her love of country and to complete the joyful responsibilities of citizenship,” said National

Society DAR President General Lynn Forney Young.

During the current three-year administration coinciding with the 125th anniversary celebration, the

organization has issued a challenge to complete 10 million hours of service to America. DAR members

from coast to coast will also participate in the National DAR Day of Service on October 11, 2015. This

one day of nationwide service is just an example of the work that Daughters have been completing for 125

years in communities across the nation.

 “We are proud to carry out DAR’s mission to celebrate our American way of life,” said Montroy.  

“All women who can document descent from a Revolutionary War Patriot are encouraged to consider the

many benefits of joining. We are eager to welcome new members to our chapter, and we have volunteers

available to help them research and complete their genealogy in order to apply for membership.”  

Prospective members are encouraged to visit www.DAR.org to learn more and to contact the local

chapter at libertybellofthewest@gmail.com to obtain more information about membership eligibility.