Elias Kent Kane Chapter, NSDAR
St. Charles, Kane County, Illinois, USA

Elias Kent Kane Chapter, NSDAR

Chapter History

​

The Elias Kent Kane Chapter was organized on May 10, 1988, in St. Charles and named in honor of Illinois’ first Secretary of State. The chapter earned Gold Honor Roll in its first year, and in May 1989 the first elected officers were formally installed.

 

Leadership contributions over the years include service at the district and state levels, with members holding positions such as District Director and State Treasurer. The chapter is consistently represented at District IV meetings, Illinois State Conferences, and Continental Congress, and members remain active throughout the Fox Valley communities.

​

The chapter has marked the graves of multiple Revolutionary War patriots, as well as several former chapter members, honoring their legacy and preserving local history. Members have also participated in significant preservation efforts, including the relocation and dedication of the 1892 Jones Law Building and ongoing support for historic sites such as the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, Garfield Farm and Inn, the Durant-Peterson House, and the Pioneer Sholes School. The chapter additionally supported the St. Charles History Museum through the sponsorship of a brick paver.

​

Monthly genealogy workshops have been a longstanding tradition—originally held at the St. Charles Library and now hosted at Panera Bread. As part of Illinois’ bicentennial celebration, the chapter awarded eighty-one Pioneer Daughter certificates to descendants of Illinois residents living in the state at the time of its 1818 admission to the Union. 

​

Educational support includes an annual $1,000 scholarship, DAR Good Citizen Awards, American History Awards, and the nomination of local educators for national recognition. The chapter has also supported community literacy initiatives.

 

Members actively support military and veteran programs through donations to Be a Hero to a Hero, Camp Atterbury, Operation Paperback, the Chicago Stand Down, and Wreaths Across America. The chapter also provides refreshments for the annual Veterans Day Concert at St. Charles North High School. Members volunteer with SCARCE and participate in local environmental efforts such as the Fox River cleanup.

​

The chapter proudly participates in parades, Constitution Week bell ringing, Veterans Day events, and intergenerational activities with the local Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) society. Chapter members have also earned state and national recognition for excellence in the American Heritage Fiber Arts Contest.

​

In 2023, the chapter hosted a Flag Day ceremony, and in 2024 co-hosted the SAR/DAR Liberty Tree dedication. Looking ahead, the chapter has many exciting plans for America 250, continuing its commitment to honoring our nation’s history and engaging the community in meaningful and lasting ways.

​