Current Projects
DAR Historical Marker - Basque Block
On March 23, 2022, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, unveiled, with the help of the NSDAR President General, a DAR historical marker honoring visionary Boisean Adelia Garro Simplot. A fourth generation Idahoan of Basque heritage, Simplot recognized the need to preserve the Basque heritage and history in Boise by preserving these historic buildings. She purchased the Cyrus Jacobs/Uberuaga house in 1983 and with her husband, Richard R. Simplot, made the payments for the first three years before donating the house to the Basque Cultural Center of Idaho, Inc. The Cyrus Jacobs/Uberuaga House, built in 1864, is the oldest surviving brick residence in Boise City. Simplot then further led conservation efforts with the formation of the nonprofit group, the Basque Cultural Center of Idaho, Inc., later renamed Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Inc., to promote Basque history and culture. She is a treasure and we were honored to celebrate her this way!
Government Island Monument - Rotary Pocket Park
In 1932, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, placed this Idaho-shaped stone, along with a companion stone placed by the Sons and Daughters of Idaho Pioneers. Each commemorated Government Island, an important stop along the Oregon Trail and a place where the Army built a fort in the early history of the Boise Valley. 80-plus years later, the valley has grown up around our monument, but not in a way that allows the stone to tell its story. Thanks to the efforts of three local Rotary Chapters, our monument is now the centerpiece of the new Rotary "Pocket Park" right along the Boise Greenbelt. Right along the Boise River and just under the Trellis Bridge, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, is thrilled to have partnered with our local Rotary Clubs to make this important gift to the City of Boise!
Pocket Constitutions
Fifth graders in Boise and Meridian receive their first exposure to DAR's favorite founding document; the United States Constitution. Their studies, however, do not include the opportunity to read the Constitution in depth, nor does it include instruction on how to care and display our beautiful American flag. In celebration of Constitution Week and our commitment to promote civic education, this project's goal is to make Constitution resources available to teachers at no cost. From this website, teachers will be able to order pocket Constitution copies and flag pins.
Pioneer Chapter Activities
George Washington Wreath Laying
Supporting Teachers and Students
George Washington Wreath Laying
Every February 22, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, honors our nation's First President and Founding Father, George Washington, on the anniversary of his birth. We gather at the Idaho Capitol and lay a wreath at his statute on the fourth floor.
Naturalization Ceremonies
Supporting Teachers and Students
George Washington Wreath Laying
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, attends naturalization ceremonies held throughout the year at the Federal Courthouse. Members personally congratulate and welcome each new citizen and present them with a flag of their newly adopted country.
Supporting Teachers and Students
Supporting Teachers and Students
Supporting Teachers and Students
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, daughters love getting involved in the classroom! We gather school supplies for students, speak to classes about our Patriots and the American Revolutionary War, and support our elementary and secondary teachers in any way we can.
Memorial Day Ceremonies
Preserving Genealogical Records
Supporting Teachers and Students
Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, attends the annual Memorial Day service at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery and lays a wreath to honor our veterans. We also hand out programs at the event and assist those visitors who are looking to find where a specific person is laid to rest.
Service to Veterans
Preserving Genealogical Records
Preserving Genealogical Records
Each year, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, supports the Veterans' Administration (VA) Medical Center and the Idaho State Veterans Home in many ways. Whether we are providing cookies or other tasty treats for celebrations, or we are providing manpower for events like the Veterans Olympics or Veterans Carnival, we love the chance to show Idaho's veterans how much we appreciate their service.
Preserving Genealogical Records
Preserving Genealogical Records
Preserving Genealogical Records
Did someone say genealogical records? Whether we are indexing census records, collecting and preserving family Bibles, or digitizing historical documents for the DAR Library, Pioneer Chapter, NSDAR, daughters have lots of opportunities to help preserve documents and data for use by daughters and members of the general public alike!