Have you ever wondered where your family’s journey began? Have you started a family tree on Ancestry and though, “When did my family emigrate to the United States?” The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) might be able to help answer your questions!

The local chapter, Don José Verdugo, of DAR meets on the first Friday of the month and invites anyone interested to attend a meeting, which always includes an interesting speaker, or to attend an event. Recently DAR members went to the USS Iowa as the country (and the Navy) begins to celebrate its 250th year.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political women’s volunteer service organization dedicated to the mission to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Any woman who is 18 years of age or older and descended from a man or a woman who aided in achieving American independence during the period of April 19, 1775 and Nov.  26, 1783 is invited to join.

DAR is an active and dedicated group of women from all walks of life. They range in aid from young women to grandmothers – all who give back to the community through service making lifelong friendships along the way. This local chapter started in 1953 in La Cañada and is a 501c3. Though local residency is not required, membership includes women from throughout the Foothill communities of La Cañada, La Crescenta, Sunland/Tujunga, Altadena and Glendale.

Giving back to the community through service is a core value of the DAR. This coming year there are many activities celebrating the 250th birthday of America. Locally, the Don José Verdugo chapter has partnered with the City of Glendale at the Catalina Adobe, where the chapter gets its name from patriot Don José Verdugo. It provides scholarships to five local high schools and Glendale Community College and supports the ROTC. Students from all age groups can participate in writing an essay for the Good Citizen program. DAR will be seen at upcoming Veteran’s Day events and Wreaths Across America during the holidays, placing a wreath at veteran’s gravesites. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution welcomes qualified candidates to join them to see what they’re all about. Visit their website at www.DonJoseVerdugo.California.org or follow them on social media. 

For questions contact Beverly Bowen de Lucia at bdelucia@me.com or call (818) 429-2528.