Public Domain photo - Tualatin River

OUR CHAPTER

photo courtesy of chapter archives

The Tualatin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by 18 members in Lake Oswego, Oregon, on April 12, 1958. Mrs. Emmet Stoddard was a founding member and our first chapter regent.







Tualatin Chapter, NSDAR, meetings are held monthly. 

Our chapter name, “Tualatin," reflects its historical significance to Oregon. Tualatin derives from the
Indian word “Tuality” or Twality” meaning slow, restful, or peaceful. These adjectives all describe the
Tualatin River and the scenic and peaceful valley through which it flows. The first of the original four
districts in the Oregon Territory was also named Tualatin.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Tualatin Chapter, NSDAR, is especially proud of our two historical museum complexes owned and operated by the
Oregon State Society Daughters of the American Revolution: Newell Pioneer Village and Caples House Museum.
 Members support our museums by participating in educational activities with school
tours, fundraising events, volunteer work and committee service. Members clean up some of the grave sites  at
Oswego Pioneer Cemetery and have installed an historic marker at the Robert Bird Pioneer Cemetery. Ongoing
genealogy research is an integral part of DAR and our chapter.

EDUCATION
We actively work with local high schools to promote the annual DAR Good Citizens Award Contest which
recognizes an outstanding senior student. Members volunteer in classrooms and encourage literacy
promotion. Throughout our chapter’s history, we have supported DAR Schools with special emphasis on
Chemawa Indian School, a residential high school, in Salem, Oregon. Oregon State Society Daughters of the American Revolution
contributes towards tuition and expenses as does Tualatin Chapter, NSDAR. We assist with funding for
their annual Christmas party, attend graduations and other ceremonies.
Members also provide books for the library among other items.

PATRIOTISM
We are grateful to all veterans who have served and are currently serving in the United States military.
Active military is supported through Project Patriot. We donate personal use items to the Portland VA
Hospital annually. Our chapter also supports Operation Diaper Bag and the Fisher House, "a home away from home" for families of
Veterans and military service members who are hospitalized at the Portland VA Medical Center,  through goods and
services. “Wreaths Across America” is dear to our hearts as is honoring our veterans each November at
our regular meeting. Learning more about our patriots is part of the “America 250!” NSDAR project.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Tualatin Chapter, NSDAR, members march in the annual Lake Oswego Fourth of July Parade, led by our own “Betsy
Ross”. During Constitution Week in September, we celebrate by mounting public displays of DAR and other
patriotic related materials at local libraries.  We also provide local libraries  with subscriptions to the
DAR Magazine "American Spirit." Members contribute numerous hours volunteering for other local
organizations and churches.

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