Home | Omaha Chapter NSDAR

Preserving our Heritage

May 13, 2020 · by Omaha DAR Admin

The preservation of our national heritage is central to the mission of DAR. Omaha Daughters, in conjunction with other Nebraska chapters, have been the impetus for several preservation and commemorative projects locally and regionally.

Rededication of the Ft. Calhoun Lewis and Clark Monument

Lewis and Clark monument rededication

In 1904, the Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) and the Nebraska Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) helped dedicate the Fort Calhoun Lewis and Clark monument that commemorated the centennial of the historic 1804 council with the Otoe-Missouria. One hundred years later, the Nebraska State Historical Society partnered with Nebraska Daughters to celebrate the rededication of the monument. The monument was rededicated as part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial events held during the summer of 2004.

2019 Nation DAR Fiber Arts Winners Susan and Jane Fiala

National American Heritage Winners!!

Sisters Susan and Jane Fiala won first place in the National American Heritage Fiber Arts category for their hand made quilt “Burgoyne Surrounded” complete with the embroidered signature of their Patriot Benjamin Sprake who as present at the Battle of Burgoyne. Congratulations, Jane and Susan!

Laurel Hill – Flag Day 2012

Omaha Daughters decorate graves of Nebraska’s Forgotten Patriots and one of Nebraska’s Real Daughters, Elvira Tewksbury.

On June 14, 2012, our chapter celebrated Flag Day at Laurel Hill cemetery in south Omaha. We placed a wreath and a flag at the grave of Real Daughter Elvira Tewksbury. Mrs. Tewksbury was born in 1820 and was the daughter of Revolutionary War patriot, James Walker. An article from the Plattsmouth Journal, dated May 26, 1916, offers interesting insight into the service of Private Walker and the life of Mrs. Tewksbury.

Omaha Daughters also placed 26 flags on the graves of “Forgotten Patriots” in Nebraska. These African-American and American Indian patriots were buried in unmarked graves until a combined headstone was erected to honor their service.

Nebraska pioneers relied upon some of the Native Americans already residing in the area to be scouts for the United States Cavalry. These scouts are regarded as the state’s first military veterans. The Buffalo Soldiers, originally African-American soldiers of the 10th U.S. Cavalry who fought the Indian tribes, are also rarely recognized veterans. More information on Forgotten Patriots may be found here.

Welcome!

May 13, 2020 · by Omaha DAR Admin

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Welcome to the Omaha Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution website! For over 125 years, the Omaha Chapter, NSDAR has been committed to the threefold purpose of Patriotism, Historical Preservation, and Education. When you join the DAR, you become a part of a network of more than 190,000 women who form lifelong bonds, honor their revolutionary ancestors, and serve in their communities.

Nearly 250 years ago, American Patriots, pledged “their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor” to fight for the freedoms we enjoy today. If you have a Revolutionary Patriot in your family tree, becoming a member of the DAR honors and preserves the legacy of your ancestor.

Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American Independence is eligible to join the DAR. If you believe you are eligible for membership, please complete the contact form on this website. You are welcome to attend a meeting and we would be happy to help with your application.

The Omaha Chapter NSDAR has in the past year participated in the following:

Assisted both current and prospective members with genealogical research.
Presented American flags and copies of the flag code to new citizens.
Awarded ROTC Medals and scholarships to deserving students.
Supported DAR schools.
Supported active duty military members and veterans.
Participated in the DAR National Day of Service celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution by cleaning memorials at Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Promoted Patriotism through the DAR Good Citizens Program and Scholarship Contest, sponsorship of a local chapter of the Children of the American Revolution, and support of the local VA hospital.

By participating in the Omaha Chapter, NSDAR’s many programs and chapter activities, you will remember and honor your ancestor’s legacy while building life-long connections with amazing women from all facets of life.

I welcome you and invite you to attend a meeting!

Glenda Irish, Regent of the Omaha Chapter NSDAR

Omaha Chapter History

January 5, 2017 · by Omaha DAR Admin

The Omaha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution shares its name not only with the city of Omaha but also with Omaha Indian tribe for whom the city was named.

Omaha has a rich history dating back to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. At that time, the territory that would eventually become Nebraska Territory, and later Omaha, was essentially occupied by Native Americans. The early Omaha Indians, arriving from the lower Ohio valley, were a part of the five tribes of the so-called Dhegiba groups of the Siouan family, the other four being Kausa, Quapau, Osage, and Ponca.

By the early 1800s, Lewis and Clark found that the Omahans had moved into the vicinity of the present-day Omaha and established their presence. Their name, Omaha (actually U-Mo’n-Ho’n), means “Dwellers on the Bluff” and has been frequently translated as “against the current” or “those going against the wind.” It has been speculated that the Omaha Indians took this name because of the difficulty they incurred moving northward against the current of the Missouri River.

Among the early legends of the Omaha Tribe is one that tells of a great battle waged during the early history of the state. Every warrior of an enemy tribe was killed, except one – who was cast, wounded, into the swift current of the river. He escaped by swimming against the current to a point far above where he had been thrown in. As he left the water on the opposite side, he lifted his right arm and defiantly exclaimed, “E-roma-ha.” His defiance was interpreted as meaning fortitude and courage.

Whether taken from “U-Mo’n-H’n” or “E-roma-ha”, Omaha was officially incorporated as a city by the state legislature in 1857.