About Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR
Founded on November 14, 1908, the Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, was the first DAR chapter established in Idaho. From humble beginnings, our chapter has grown in mission and in membership, all while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of service to community, country, and history.
As part of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), a national, non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization founded in 1890, our mission aligns with DAR’s core pillars: historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
At the Idaho State Society (ISSDAR) level, we join with chapters across the state to coordinate statewide projects, events, and service efforts.
This image was generated using artificial intelligence and does not depict an actual person, place, or event.
Historic Preservation
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, members participate in an array of projects to help preserve our cultural heritage, including:
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Restoring and maintaining historical sites.
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Organizing and contributing to major restorations, commemorations, and memorials throughout Idaho.
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Placing monuments and markers to memorialize local people and events of historical value.
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Preserving genealogical records, artifacts, and historical documents, both through field work and through partnerships with organizations like the Idaho State Historical Society.
Education
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, members are passionate about educating the youth of America and contributing to schools and student programs in a variety of ways, including:
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Supporting the Boise and West Ada School Districts through our "Community Classroom" efforts.
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Providing scholarships and awards to outstanding students throughout the country.
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Promoting education and citizenship through youth programs such as Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), DAR Good Citizens, and Junior American Citizens.
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Sponsoring American history essay contests for youth in grades five through eight.
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Sponsoring Patriots of the Revolution essay contests for high school students, grades nine through twelve.
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Donating books to Toys for Tots Literacy program.
Patriotism
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, members’ love of country is evident in the multitude of patriotic endeavors we pursue, including:
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Providing thousands of hours of volunteer time annually to veterans in Idaho's Veterans Administration (VA) hospital and non-VA facilities.
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Offering support to America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad through care packages, phone cards, and other needed items.
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Sponsoring special programs promoting the celebration of Constitution Week.
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Participating in naturalization ceremonies.
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Presenting patriotic awards to deserving individuals including:
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Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award
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DAR Good Citizens awards and medals
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ROTC medals
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Community Service awards
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Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, History
"Like an endless strand, the descendants of the Revolutionary fathers have woven themselves into the warp and woof of American life; and, spreading from ocean to ocean, have implanted true ideals of citizenship and right thinking."
- Honorary Organizing Chapter Regent Anna M. Ford Pursell
Photo courtesy of Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, archives.
With these thoughts in mind, the first DAR chapter in Idaho was named "Pioneer." Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, was organized on November 14, 1908, and our honorary organizing regent served as its first regent. In the early years, Daughters staged patriotic pageants, marched in Flag Day parades, and supported the Children's Home.
During World War I, members knitted more than 1,000 garments for the troops in Europe and hired children at the Children's Home and prisoners in the penitentiary to "Knit for Victory." Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, "adopted" 22 French orphans and provided comfort items for the seriously wounded being treated at the Boise Veterans Hospital.
After the War, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, Daughters distributed Americanization Manuals and assisted new immigrants in becoming naturalized citizens. One of our distinguished members established a scholarship fund to enable disadvantaged youth to attend college. Sisters of Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, donated their family's pioneer cabin to the chapter. It was the first family dwelling in Boise. Chapter members restored the historic cabin, where they held numerous social gatherings. More than one President General enjoyed a cup of tea in front of its fireplace.
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, established Ward Memorial Park, site of one of the largest massacres on the Oregon Trail, and erected historical markers in Boise and in Pocatello, honoring Oregon Trail Pioneers. Decorations from one of the annual Colonial Balls were displayed at Continental Congress in 1932 and were greatly admired by the delegates.
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, has experienced many changes since 1908. Our membership has grown from a dozen proud women to over 100 members. The Colonial Balls and Flag Day parades are no more. Some things, however, have not changed; our commitment to education, patriotism, service to veterans, and historic preservation continues.
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, continues to be a vital part of the community and NSDAR. Members range in age from "twenty-something" to "ninety-something." We are teachers, bankers, musicians, retirees, attorneys, community volunteers, physicians, and homemakers. We are natives of Idaho and Iowa, California and Colorado, Maine and Maryland. We are all proud to be members of Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR.