In pursuing the goals of our national organization, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), our chapter Daughters have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavors. These goals are as relevant in today’s society as they were when the Myakka Chapter, NSDAR, was founded in 1954.

In 1952, several Daughters living in Venice, FL decided to organize a chapter closer to home. Remember in those days it was a long distance to phone the big city of Sarasota. So Mrs. Eppie Hayes Smith announced in the local newspaper that she was interested in organizing a new chapter. After several months “Eppie” had eight prospective members and five transfers interested. In December 1953 the magic number of thirteen members was attained and on January 5, 1954, the Myakka Chapter, NSDAR, obtained its charter. The first formal organizational meeting was held at the Venice Yacht Club and “Eppie” was elected the first regent of the Myakka Chapter, NSDAR. The chapter organizers were keenly aware of the importance of the eco-structure of our area and named our chapter after the Myakka River that flows nearby.

The Myakka Chapter, NSDAR, meets October through April. We serve South Sarasota County including Osprey, Nokomis, Venice , North Port, Wellen Park and Englewood. We currently have 100 members and 19 associate members. Our meetings each year include a variety of formats including morning meetings followed by optional lunches, luncheon meetings at local venues and an annual evening dinner meeting.

The Myakka Chapter, NSDAR, has a number of projects and activities in addition to meetings.

The Myakka Chapter, NSDAR, participates in the Manasota Regents Council luncheons in commemoration of Flag Day and Constitution Day each summer. Our Daughters generously contribute to Toys for Tots, South Sarasota County Food Bank, the Hindman School, Douglas T. Jacobson Veterans Home, TWIG Cares, Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota, Venice Archives, Venice Public Library, Wreaths Across America, Sarasota County Parks Department breakfast with Santa, school supply collections, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) as well as other special projects each year. Myakka Daughters also enjoy participating together in Veterans Day Services and the annual Venice Holiday Parade, setting out flags and solar lights on veterans graves at the Historic Jesse Knight Cemetery in Nokomis, showing our patriotism by decorating a tree for Christmas annually at Blalock Park, and decorating the educational cases at the Venice Library. We set up several educational stations at Taylor Ranch Elementary Colonial Days, in Colonial attire of course! We are proud to award Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) medals, Good Citizens Awards, Youth Leadership medals and Community Service Awards annually. We provide 2 local scholarships annually: $500 to WITT (Women in the Trades) and $1000 to a student enrolled in a health care program of study. Our Daughters amassed over 3,100 hours of volunteer service last year. The Myakka Chapter, NSDAR, was very proud to have installed the 3rd America 250 Patriot Marker in Florida. We’re a busy Chapter and we look forward to welcoming you.

Photos Courtesy of Chapter Members