Fox River Valley Chapter of DAR selects article for award-winning American Spirit Magazine
History was made in 2019 with the Fox River Valley Chapter's record-setting accomplishment: four-peat grand prize winners of the "Spread the American Spirit" contest. The grand prize package included selecting the topic for an article and cover for the award-winning American Spirit magazine.
As guest-editors-in-chief, the chapter selected "Her Work, Her World" as the "winner's choice" article in the November/December 2019 issue of the American Spirit magazine.
The article was written about Frances Willard (1839-1898), who was a speaker, writer, educator and leader of women. She was a tireless crusader for social reform, social justice and women's rights.
Willard was a charter member of Chicago Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter, the first chapter in the national society, who transferred in 1895 to the newly formed Fort Dearborn Chapter, Evanston.
The Fox River Valley Chapter is proud of this Illinoisan and her work, which was critical to the success of the Women's Suffrage Movement.
DAR members visited the Frances Willard House Museum in Evanston on Nov. 10. They enjoyed a tour of "Rest Cottage," Willard's home, that was given by Executive Director Lori Osborne. They viewed artifacts and were inspired by Frances Willard's policy to "Do Everything." Regent Laurie Sutherland presented a generous donation on behalf of the Fox River Valley Chapter for "A Rare Treasure," which is a new capital campaign that supports the historic preservation of the Frances Willard House Museum.
Serving the Algonquin-Huntley area, the Fox River Valley Chapter made history with the record setting accomplishment of winning the "Spread the American Spirit" Contest four consecutive times.
As grand prize winners, members enjoyed VIP seating in DAR Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, D.C. this summer and were invited to sit in the NSDAR President General's Box during the presentation of the prestigious DAR Magazine Traveling Trophy. Members also met with the DAR President General.
Subscribe to the American Spirit Magazine at www.dar.org/national-society/american-spirit-magazine/.
To learn more about DAR membership and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/FoxRiverValleyDAR/.
For information on joining the DAR and assistance with the application process, contact Chapter Registrar Joan Longmire at geniejoan@comcast.net or (847) 961-6381.
Other questions may be directed to Chapter Regent Laurie Sutherland at frvdar@gmail.com. Information about the Frances Willard House Museum can be found at franceswillardhouse.org.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence.
For more than 125 years, the DAR has striven to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America's freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots.
DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.
To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.