Chapter Meetings

The Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, meets on eight Saturdays per year to promote the DAR ideals of historic preservation, education, and patriotism, and to provide members with opportunities to connect, learn, and serve. Meetings feature engaging programs, speakers, and activities, from historical presentations to recognition of local students, veterans, and community members.

Each meeting is an opportunity to learn, share, and contribute to projects that preserve history, honor service, and support education. Come meet our members and learn more about the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR. Please reach out to us for meeting locations, dates, and times. Everyone is welcome!

DAR Good Citizens Program

Each year, the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, supports the DAR Good Citizens Program in local high schools throughout our region. This national initiative was established to recognize high school seniors who demonstrate the qualities valued by the Daughters of the American Revolution: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Students selected by their schools are invited to participate in a scholarship opportunity that includes writing a timed essay reflecting on citizenship and civic responsibility. They also share their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement as part of the program.

Selected students are honored at a chapter meeting, where they read their essays and receive a certificate of achievement and the official DAR Good Citizens pin. The chapter is proud to support this program and recognize young leaders who are dedicated to their communities and committed to the values of responsible citizenship.

Little Free Library

The Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, maintains a Little Free Library outside the historic Little Red School House on Route 10 in Newport. This community resource is part of the global Little Free Library movement, which encourages literacy, lifelong learning, and the simple joy of reading.

The library is stocked with a rotating selection of books for all ages, including children’s titles, fiction, nonfiction, and local interest materials. Community members are welcome to take a book, leave a book, or simply stop by to browse.

Through this project, the chapter supports access to books, fosters curiosity, and celebrates the importance of education and community connection.

DAR Day of Service

Each year, the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, participates in the National DAR Day of Service, held in recognition of the founding of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Chapters across the country mark this day by giving back to their communities through meaningful volunteer projects that reflect the DAR mission of historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Our chapter’s ongoing service project has focused on the care and preservation of historic grave markers and memorials. Members have worked to respectfully clean and restore the gravestones of American Revolutionary War Patriots in Pine Street Cemetery, honor the memory of our founding regent in Maple Street Cemetery, and maintain the war memorial in front of History Hall in Lempster.

This work not only preserves important pieces of local history but also ensures that the names and sacrifices of those who came before us remain visible and remembered. Through this annual effort, the chapter continues its commitment to stewardship, remembrance, and community service.

Field of Honor

Each year, the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, places a Field of Honor on the Newport Common in honor of Veterans Day. This display serves as a visible tribute to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Every flag represents an individual veteran and carries a tag with their name, creating a powerful reminder that behind every symbol is a real person and a real story of service.

Community members are invited to sponsor a flag in honor or memory of a veteran. Donations help support the project and may be made online through PayPal. New names are added each year, and many families return to locate “their” flag, reflecting the personal connection this project inspires.

More than a display, the Field of Honor is a moment of collective remembrance, and an opportunity for the community to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. The chapter is honored to continue this tradition and ensure that our veterans are recognized with dignity and respect.

Community Parades and Patriotism

The Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, actively promotes patriotism by participating in local community parades throughout the year. Members proudly represent the Daughters of the American Revolution in events, helping to bring visibility to the ideals of service, remembrance, and national pride.

Our presence in these parades serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of those who have served our nation, while also celebrating the spirit and traditions of our local communities. Whether honoring fallen heroes on Memorial Day or joining fellow residents in winter festivities, our chapter embraces every opportunity to share the values of the DAR with the public.

Historic Preservation

Historic preservation is a cornerstone of the DAR mission, and the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, proudly supports and recognizes those who work to safeguard our local heritage. We present certificates or medals to individuals and organizations whose efforts protect historic sites, records, and landmarks that tell the story of our region.

In 2022, the chapter awarded a DAR History Medal to the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Medal to bridgewright Arnold M. Graton. The ceremony honored both the organization’s preservation efforts and Mr. Graton’s craftsmanship in constructing the current Corbin Covered Bridge in 1994.

Through recognition, education, and involvement in preservation initiatives, the chapter helps ensure that our history remains visible and valued for generations to come.

Constitution Week

Each year, the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, commemorates Constitution Week by creating an educational display at the Richards Free Library in Newport. This national observance highlights the significance of the United States Constitution and encourages all citizens to understand, appreciate, and uphold its principles.

The library display features historical materials, informative posters, and resources about the Constitution’s history and impact. By providing this public educational opportunity, the chapter helps foster civic awareness, celebrate our nation’s founding document, and encourage thoughtful reflection on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

State and National Events

Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, members actively participate in state and national events, strengthening connections with other chapters and supporting the broader DAR mission. At the state level, members attend gatherings such as Fall Meeting, Spring Conference, and special events like those at the Cathedral of the Pines.

On the national level, members can attend the annual Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., where DAR members from across the country come together to celebrate patriotism, honor history, and conduct the business of the National Society.

Through these events, the Reprisal Chapter, NSDAR, stays connected to the larger DAR community, shares best practices, celebrates achievements, and contributes to projects that promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism nationwide.