Elizabeth Parcells DeVoe Chapter,
NSDAR, Inc.
Hackensack, New Jersey
Organized February 2, 1931
national society daughters of the American revolution
OUR CHAPTER NAMESAKE
Each chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) has a history behind their name. Elizabeth Parcells married Abraham DeVoe in 1758. The home pictured above was nestled along the Hackensack River and where the DeVoe family resided. One morning in 1776, Elizabeth was called to show her resolve and strength as the family awoke to find their home, surrounded by the British, looking for Abraham. She insisted that her husband escapes through an unguarded store closet window. When she eventually opened the doors, the soldiers demanded they search for Abraham. Furious when they found he had escaped, they took what they wanted of the family's supplies and left. The next morning Elizabeth Parcells DeVoe walked into the British camp and demanded to see the officer in charge. He was so taken with her bravery in standing up for herself and her home, he ordered the DeVoe home to be guarded for the duration of their encampment.
This chapter meets quarterly, in January, in April for a candle lighting ceremony to honor our Patriots, June and October in Northern, New Jersey. Prospective members are welcome to attend meetings.
Dedication to our Mission
The NSDAR is a volunteer service organization of women that spans the world.
Our members are dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Volunteering in these areas we honor our ancestors service during the American Revolutionary War. We are a non-profit organization and are not affiliated with any political party. Daughters encompass all walks of faith and social standing. Since our inception in 1890, members volunteer thousands of hours each year to help our active servicemen, veterans, first responders, children, and communities.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, our members made more than one million masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) items for first responders! We are now excited to prepare for America's 250th Birthday on July 4, 2026!
start your journey
Application and Membership
Membership in the NSDAR is open to any woman, 18 years or older, by providing documentation of her direct lineage to a person who served during the American Revolutionary War. Service may include anyone who fought, gave goods, property or support toward American independence.
To learn where to begin, please visit our National Society’s “Become A Member” webpage or contact our chapter.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
One of the main objectives of the NSDAR is education. The Educational Resources Committee offers a list of lesson plans on a variety of topics, free to anyone. It is an excellent resource for teachers and may be found on the NSDAR Education webpage.
FOSTER CITIZENSHIP
The NSDAR recognizes outstanding young people who show good citizenship. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward these qualities. For more information regarding contests and scholarships please visit the NSDAR "Youth Programs" webpage.
SERVICE TO VETERANS
The women of the NSDAR strive to remember our veterans. Some of the ways our chapter says 'thank you' are by collecting calendars, crocheting scarves and slippers, collecting wish list items for and visiting our local veterans home; writing 'thank you' and holiday cards to veterans and active-duty service members. We participate in the annual flag placing on veterans' graves at a local cemetery for Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America each December.
Our Story in Pictures
Every Memorial Day weekend we gather along with Girl Scouts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Children of the American Revolution members, and other service groups to place flags at the graves of veterans in George Washington Memorial Cemetery. On May 28, 2023, armed with our screwdrivers and mallets, we placed more than 1500 flags in just a couple of hours.
Along with the rest of the world, we remained sheltered through COVID-19, each daughter working in isolation. October 2020 was our first meeting as we emerged from the pandemic. Held outside, we were honored to have our state regent at the time, present one of our members with her 65 years of service certificate (seen in the photo at the top of the site).
In 2023 we became a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner. September 2023 marked our first "Thank You Ceremony" for the Thomas D. Egan VFW Post 850, Glen Rock. We presented each Vietnam veteran with a commemorative lapel pin and gave them our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for there service. We enjoyed refreshments and conversation with the men after the ceremony.
Every three years we nominate and elect a new Board of Management for the chapter. The new regent will also appoint chairmen for various committees. These ladies represent our 2022-2025 Board of Management.
Each year we promote the DAR and celebrate America by participating in parades. We provide flags to hand out to the Girl Scouts also. In 2022 we handed out more than 350 flags at parades. This photo is from the 2019 Fourth of July Parade in Maywood.
Every October the NSDAR has a 'Day of Service.' It is a way for daughters to come together to work toward promoting DAR values and help our communities. For the October 2023 DAR Day of Service our chapter created 50 thank you bags that were distributed to local police, fire and ambulace departments.
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Disclaimer
The content contained herein does not necessarily represent the position of the NSDAR. Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.
All photography is provided courtesy of Elizabeth Parcells DeVoe Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. members.