A new DAR chapter has not been formed in the Des Moines area for over eighty years. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C. was petitioned in January of 2023 to organize a new chapter. A past chapter regent was approved as the organizing regent.

She supplied the necessary information to the NSDAR to allow the formation of a new chapter. The purpose of forming a new chapter was to provide improved opportunities for current members to serve and become leaders, to offer current and prospective DAR members in the growing eastern and northern suburbs of Des Moines access to meetings and activities, and to show and tell the impressive and positive mission of DAR.

The DAR mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism will be the mission of the new Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR. Examples of upcoming activities are cemetery preservation and cleaning, representing the Ankeny Founding Family at living history events, serving active-duty military personnel at Camp Dodge through organizations such as the Blue Star Mothers, and participating in patriotic events and parades.

The chapter name, Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR, was submitted for approval to the National Society with justification for that name. The history and significance of Camp Dodge to Iowa and the United States were documented. The extraordinary legacy of Grenville M. Dodge to the success of our country was told. On February 22, George Washington’s birthday, the chapter received notice from the National Society DAR that the name Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR, was approved.

Meetings will be held in the Ankeny and Des Moines area. A variety of meeting days and times will be provided in an attempt to make Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR, accessible to busy women juggling family, work and other obligations.

Current DAR members and non-members can become charter members of the Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR, within the first year of the chapter’s existence by simply transferring membership from a current chapter or, if not a member, working with the registrar of the Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR, to prepare an application for DAR membership.

For more information, contact the regent of Camp Dodge Chapter, NSDAR.