DAR chapter prepares for America’s 250th birthday

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN (WBAY) - The Jean Nicolet chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is preparing to mark America’s 250th birthday with exhibits and events celebrating the region’s ties to the Revolutionary War.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is made up of women who can trace their family line directly back to someone who served in the Revolutionary War.

“The one I came into DAR under, his name was John Simon, and he’s my four times great grandfather. And he served in Philadelphia in the Philadelphia militia,” said Valerie Plasky, president of the Jean Nicolet chapter.

The chapter’s membership has grown from 104 members last year to more than 130 today.

“I think part of that is due to the America 250 anniversary. People are fired up about celebrating 250 years and kind of thinking ‘Wow, maybe I had someone around back then,’ so we are getting more members that way,” Plasky said.

DAR will partner with the Neville Public Museum for an America 250 display that will run from May through July.

“We’re trying to help people connect Northeast Wisconsin to the American Revolution. So, while there were no patriots here, there were descendants of patriots who came to northeast Wisconsin and settled. And all the things you see around you, all the amazing things about our city and communities in northeast Wisconsin, many of those things were due to the children and grandchildren of those patriots,” Plasky said.

The organization will also hold activities and presentations leading up to July 4. Members will be dressed in Revolutionary-era costumes at the Independence Day celebration at Leicht Park.

“I think it’s just important to remember that people died for the cause, for us to be here today. And the reason you can walk around or start a business or do any of the activities that you can do today is because some of those people fought and died for that cause,” Plasky said.