Local DAR Chapter Utilizes Grant to Educate on America 250!

(Chappaqua, NY) The Polly Cooper Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution procured a DAR America 250! Celebration Grant and utilized the money to fund educational materials for community classrooms and local libraries.

Projects or activities considered for this grant needed to demonstrate support the NSDAR America 250! vision of celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America and the Patriots who achieved American independence.

The Polly Cooper Chapter, named after an Oneida Indian Nation female patriot who assisted George Washington and his troops during the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge, felt it was important to provide educators and students with materials that explore the diverse heroes of the American Revolution. By highlighting the contributions of women, people of color, Native Americans, and others, the Polly Cooper Chapter is striving to create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of this pivotal period in history. These resources will help empower teachers to inspire students with a broader, more authentic narrative on the fight for freedom. By focusing on underrepresented patriots, it honors unsung heroes, inspires future generations, and enriches the educational experience. This contributes to a more comprehensive and inclusive celebration of our Nation's history.

Kari Kjontvedt Weis states, "As Chair of the Polly Cooper Chapter's Community Classroom Committee, I'm proud to say that we are committed to making a lasting impact on our local schools. By providing resources and support where it is needed most, we're helping ensure every student has the tools to succeed and reach their full potential".

In addition to maps, timeline supplies and books donated to the H. P. Baldwin High School, a series of children's books related to Franco-American Relations during the American Revolution (particularly the role of the Marque de Lafayette) were donated to the Bedford Free Library and several Little Free Libraries throughout Westchester as well as to key interested individuals who reached out chapter members through our social media.

To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org. Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR was established in Chappaqua, New York, and our service projects have supported education and literacy, historic preservation, conservation initiatives, veterans and active-duty service members, genealogy research, naturalization ceremonies for new citizens and more. Now is a great time to discover if you have an American Revolutionary ancestor as our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.