DAR promotes the preservation of historic sites and American cultural traditions. Members knowledgeable in genealogy assist prospective members and active members in their search for patriots who rendered some type of aid during the American Revolutionary War. Swallow Cliff supports efforts to repair and maintain the national complex of DAR buildings in Washington, D.C., including DAR Constitution Hall. The chapter is proud to have presented a bronze plaque to mark “The Land of the Healing Waters,” in Willow Springs, Illinois, an historic Native American Indian site where the Potawatomi and other Indian tribes came for the recuperative powers thought to be found in the nearby springs.

Willow Springs Plaque

Members attend dedication of Lafayette marker, Old Shawneetown, IL

Swallow Cliff Chapter presents community service and conservation awards to recognize local citizens for outstanding achievement in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, and citizenship work in their communities. The chapter supports Constitution Week activities and creates displays to educate the public about the United States Constitution. It presents JROTC medals and awards to outstanding cadets in several local high schools and also participates in area Veterans Day and Memorial Day services. Swallow Cliff is especially proud of its service to veterans and the military by: adopting a unit serving in a foreign country through the DAR Project Patriot program; sponsoring Honor Flight Chicago to send WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans to Washington D.C., to view their respective memorial sites; providing supplies for Chicago Stand Down events for homeless veterans, and supporting the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno through the provision of lap blankets and needed snacks and treats. The chapter is a Commemorative Partner with the Department of Defense 50th Anniversary Vietnam Commemoration and presents certificates of appreciation and lapel pins to Vietnam veterans at local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) halls.

Veterans Day Wreath Laying, Worth, IL

For students in grades 5 to 8, Swallow Cliff sponsors the NSDAR American History essay contest for middle school students. The DAR Good Citizens program promotes dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism among high school seniors. At the district and national levels, college scholarships are available annually. DAR Schools are supported through several recycling programs and Coke Rewards. In addition, the chapter sponsors the Knoll Springs Society of the Children of the American Revolution, which promotes the awareness of our DAR objectives for its members up to the age of twenty-two.

DAR Good Citizens winners