Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR to Dedicate Three Liberty Trees at Stewart Park in Honor of America's 250th Anniversary
TRUMANSBURG, N.Y. — June 25, 2026 —
The Chief Taughannock Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will dedicate three Liberty Trees at Stewart Park in Ithaca, New York, on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., as part of the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The project honors the historic role of Liberty Trees during the American Revolution while creating a lasting legacy for the greater Ithaca community as the nation commemorates the Semiquincentennial of the United States.
The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting, the reading of a commemorative proclamation from Robert G. Cantelmo, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, and participation from local dignitaries, community leaders, and area youth.
Among those expected to participate are:
• Congressman Josh Riley, U.S. Representative for New York's 19th Congressional District
• New York State Assemblymember Anna Kelles, 125th Assembly District
• Honorable Robert Cantelmo, Mayor of Ithaca
Additionally, campers from the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Stewart Park Day Camp will be attending and participating in the event.
The term "Liberty Tree" dates to the American Revolution and traces its roots to a famous elm tree that stood in Boston during the 1760s and 1770s. The tree became a gathering place for Colonists protesting British rule and served as a powerful symbol of resistance, unity, and the pursuit of freedom. As news of the movement spread throughout the Colonies, communities established their own Liberty Trees as places to gather, discuss ideas, and demonstrate support for American independence. Today, Liberty Trees continue to serve as living symbols of patriotism, civic engagement, and the enduring ideals upon which the United States was founded.
The Liberty Tree project was made possible through the collaboration of several community partners. The Chief Taughannock Chapter worked closely with the City of Ithaca to identify an appropriate location within Stewart Park and select tree species suited to the site. The three trees, an investment in the future and a tribute to America's enduring spirit, are:
American Sycamore - Native to a wide range in the United States. This species, with its distinctive mottled bark, will grow into a majestic tree of about 100 feet tall. This tree has a wood grain that is particularly prized for carving. Native peoples hollowed out trunks of these trees to make canoes.
Northern Red Oak - Native to a wide range in the United States. An important species for wildlife, providing excellent habitat for insects which provides high quality food for birds. Its acorns are a high calorie food source for wildlife and were once used as a food source for native peoples.
Heritage Oak - This is a tree that is a hybrid between the native Bur Oak and the English oak. It is more tolerant to the cold and less prone to disease than the English Oak and therefore does well in the Finger Lakes region. It will grow to be a beautiful shade tree with deep green glossy leaves. This species supports an abundance of insect life that in turn supports healthy bird populations. This tree is in the white oak family; the acorns are less bitter and are a favored treat for wildlife.
A commemorative plaque will be installed at the site and reads:
"These Liberty Trees were planted by the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR, to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States. Dedicated July 2026."
The dedication continues a long-standing commitment by the chapter to tree planting and community beautification projects. In 2023, the chapter launched an initiative to plant American chestnut trees throughout the Finger Lakes region in recognition of National Arbor Day and the approaching Semiquincentennial of the United States.
"The original Liberty Trees were places where ordinary citizens gathered in support of freedom, self-government, and the ideals that would become the foundation of our nation," said Amy W. Little, Regent of the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR. "As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, we are honored to dedicate these Liberty Trees as a gift to the greater Ithaca community and as living reminders of our nation's founding principles. We hope they inspire visitors to reflect on our history, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today, and consider the legacy we leave for future generations."
"The DAR is committed to preserving history, supporting education, and strengthening our communities," said Melinda Oakes, Chapter Corresponding Secretary. "This project brings those missions together in a meaningful way. The Liberty Trees honor the sacrifices of the past while providing beauty, shade, and inspiration for the future."
The chapter also partnered with the Friends of Stewart Park and the Ithaca Youth Bureau, whose support helped secure the date and bring local summer campers to the dedication ceremony and educational activities.
In conjunction with the dedication, the chapter donated a collection of Revolutionary War-themed books to the FSP-managed Elayne’s Lending Library located in Stewart Park. The books were selected to encourage readers of all ages to learn more about the founding of the United States and the individuals who shaped its history.
Titles include:
• The American Revolution for Brave Young Readers by Aryya Wayfinder
• Women in the American Revolution: A Captivating History
• Hidden Heroes: Women of the American Revolution by Silas Everen
• Black Heroes of the American Revolution by Burke Davis
• Additional titles for children, young adults, and adult readers
The ceremony may also feature a musical performance by Opus Ithaca.
The chapter extends its appreciation to the City of Ithaca, Friends of Stewart Park, the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and other community partners whose support helped bring the Liberty Tree project to fruition. Their collaboration reflects the community spirit that the original Liberty Trees represented more than 250 years ago.
The event is free and open to the public.
To learn more about local DAR membership please visit www.chieftaughannockchapter.com.
Local DAR Chapter and Finger Lakes Library System Launch America250 Art Contest for Youth
April, 2026: Tompkins & Seneca Counties, NY — The Chief Taughannock Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), in partnership with the Finger Lakes Library System, is proud to announce an America250 Art Contest for children ages 18 and under throughout most of Tompkins and Seneca* counties.
During the month of April, ten public libraries across the two counties will serve as collection sites for original artwork created by local youth. The contest celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and encourages young artists to reflect on America’s past, present, and future.
Participants may create their artwork at home or at their local library. All submissions must be in landscape (wide), on standard 8 ½" x 11" paper, and delivered to a participating library by April 30.
Entries will be reviewed by members of the Ninian Chamberlain Society, Children of the American Revolution. From the submissions, 25 pieces of artwork will be selected for a unique public showcase. Winning entries will be featured on a digital billboard generously donated by Park Outdoor Advertising, with display beginning in July and continuing through the end of the year.
All children who submit a valid entry will receive a participation certificate in recognition of their creativity and effort.
Contest Guidelines:
In addition to the art contest, the Chief Taughannock Chapter members plan to also celebrate America250 this year with a traveling Mini Exhibit, planting of Liberty Trees, Little "Freedom" Library glow-ups, and historic preservation efforts.
For more information or questions about the contest, please visit the contact page on the Chapter’s website: www.chieftaughannockdar.com.
*The Seneca Falls Library is not participating due to a conflicting art contest predating this opportunity. Youth in the Seneca Falls vicinity are welcome to participate in the contest by submitting their art to any other participating library.
# # # # #
During the month of April, ten public libraries across the two counties will serve as collection sites for original artwork created by local youth. The contest celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and encourages young artists to reflect on America’s past, present, and future.
Participants may create their artwork at home or at their local library. All submissions must be in landscape (wide), on standard 8 ½" x 11" paper, and delivered to a participating library by April 30.
Entries will be reviewed by members of the Ninian Chamberlain Society, Children of the American Revolution. From the submissions, 25 pieces of artwork will be selected for a unique public showcase. Winning entries will be featured on a digital billboard generously donated by Park Outdoor Advertising, with display beginning in July and continuing through the end of the year.
All children who submit a valid entry will receive a participation certificate in recognition of their creativity and effort.
Contest Guidelines:
- Open to children ages 18 and under
- Artwork must celebrate America’s 250th birthday
- Use of any artistic medium is permitted
- Artwork must be in shades of red, white, blue, and yellow
- Optional text is limited to a maximum of four words (note: “America250” counts as one word)
- All entries must be submitted to a participating library by April 30
In addition to the art contest, the Chief Taughannock Chapter members plan to also celebrate America250 this year with a traveling Mini Exhibit, planting of Liberty Trees, Little "Freedom" Library glow-ups, and historic preservation efforts.
For more information or questions about the contest, please visit the contact page on the Chapter’s website: www.chieftaughannockdar.com.
*The Seneca Falls Library is not participating due to a conflicting art contest predating this opportunity. Youth in the Seneca Falls vicinity are welcome to participate in the contest by submitting their art to any other participating library.
# # # # #
Hear Sleepy Hollow's Ghostly Tale From a Master Storyteller
Jonathan Kruk’s rendition of the classic tale of the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane is coming to Ithaca, October 10, 2023
For Immediate Release--Usher in fall with master storyteller Jonathan Kruk as he brings to life Washington Irving’s classic tale of the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane. A fellow New Yorker, Kruk will spook and inspire listeners with his performance of the iconic Halloween tale inspired by a quiet upstate New York community, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.
His signature show, Kruk’s version of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has been featured on The Today Show, Travel Channel and National Geographic. He will give one of his popular and spellbinding performances on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 210 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, beginning promptly at 4:30 p.m.
Kruk's rendition of Irving’s "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is being offered free of charge to the community on behalf of co-sponsors, the Chief Taughannock Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and The History Center in Tompkins County. Don’t miss your chance to be transported by the ghostly tale of the headless Hessian soldier and the hapless schoolteacher. No ticket or reservation necessary.
# # # # #
His signature show, Kruk’s version of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has been featured on The Today Show, Travel Channel and National Geographic. He will give one of his popular and spellbinding performances on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 210 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, beginning promptly at 4:30 p.m.
Kruk's rendition of Irving’s "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is being offered free of charge to the community on behalf of co-sponsors, the Chief Taughannock Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and The History Center in Tompkins County. Don’t miss your chance to be transported by the ghostly tale of the headless Hessian soldier and the hapless schoolteacher. No ticket or reservation necessary.
# # # # #
Chief Taughannock Chapter Plans 250 Chestnut Trees for 250 Years
January, 2023, The Finger Lakes Region, NY: Three months from now on April 28th, the Chief Taughannock Chapter of the NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution or DAR) plans to plant the first of 250 American chestnut trees in celebration of National Arbor Day. Three years from now, the Chapter is hoping to see the first fruits of their labor in celebration of the United States of America’s semiquincentennial.
President George Washington planted 13 chestnut trees in Fredericksburg, VA, one for each of the 13 colonies. Although he planted horse chestnuts, a different species from the American chestnut tree and one not nearly as tasty nor at all good for you (in fact, they’re poisonous!), his outlasted the vast majority of American chestnut trees which succumbed to a deadly blight at the turn of the 20th century. Fortunately, as with the great American Experiment, research and trial triumphed. In 2005, The American Chestnut Foundation harvested their first potentially blight-resistant chestnuts and now 18 years later, the tree is positively on its way back towards being reintroduced to native ranges in the Appalachian hardwood forest ecosystem.
The local DAR chapter, with members primarily residing in Tompkins, Schuyler and Seneca Counties, is planning to plant, map and nurture the 250 bare-root backcross seedlings, a gift from The American Chestnut Foundation’s research farms in Meadowview, VA. “We are hoping to find homes where the trees are easy to spot and check in on from time to time,” said Chief Taughannock Chapter regent, Megan Mullins. "Locations where they can be publicly accessed, treasured and tasted by the masses are preferred as they really are a gift for all of us to share.” The DAR Chapter created this program in an effort to honor America's past and in a small way, provide for its future while celebrating the Nation’s 250th anniversary.
The DAR has a robust committee structure in place which also honors and educates members and the public on Native American history where the chestnut also played an important role, especially in the food supply of woodland tribes. “This is a story for all of the people on this land and it’s important that we recognize that,” said Mullins. In this local region, it has been said that Haudenosaunee people collected the nuts and converted them into a paste, or dried them and ground them into flour. They also used the sawtoothed leaves as medicine.
The Chief Taughannock Chapter is working with members of the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation as well as with nearby state parks, the Cornell Cooperative Extension, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and various municipalities. Still, they are happy to take requests from individuals interested in this program. Fortunately, there’s time. “We’re so grateful that Cummins Nursery in Ithaca, NY has generously offered to provide safe shelter for the bare-root seedlings while we work to identify permanent homes,” said Mullins. “We believe they’ll all find good homes and with a little luck and a lot of time, they’ll still be flourishing when America reaches its quincentenary.”
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, or identifying a location for a tree, visit the contact page on www.chieftaughannockchapter.com.
# # #
President George Washington planted 13 chestnut trees in Fredericksburg, VA, one for each of the 13 colonies. Although he planted horse chestnuts, a different species from the American chestnut tree and one not nearly as tasty nor at all good for you (in fact, they’re poisonous!), his outlasted the vast majority of American chestnut trees which succumbed to a deadly blight at the turn of the 20th century. Fortunately, as with the great American Experiment, research and trial triumphed. In 2005, The American Chestnut Foundation harvested their first potentially blight-resistant chestnuts and now 18 years later, the tree is positively on its way back towards being reintroduced to native ranges in the Appalachian hardwood forest ecosystem.
The local DAR chapter, with members primarily residing in Tompkins, Schuyler and Seneca Counties, is planning to plant, map and nurture the 250 bare-root backcross seedlings, a gift from The American Chestnut Foundation’s research farms in Meadowview, VA. “We are hoping to find homes where the trees are easy to spot and check in on from time to time,” said Chief Taughannock Chapter regent, Megan Mullins. "Locations where they can be publicly accessed, treasured and tasted by the masses are preferred as they really are a gift for all of us to share.” The DAR Chapter created this program in an effort to honor America's past and in a small way, provide for its future while celebrating the Nation’s 250th anniversary.
The DAR has a robust committee structure in place which also honors and educates members and the public on Native American history where the chestnut also played an important role, especially in the food supply of woodland tribes. “This is a story for all of the people on this land and it’s important that we recognize that,” said Mullins. In this local region, it has been said that Haudenosaunee people collected the nuts and converted them into a paste, or dried them and ground them into flour. They also used the sawtoothed leaves as medicine.
The Chief Taughannock Chapter is working with members of the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation as well as with nearby state parks, the Cornell Cooperative Extension, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and various municipalities. Still, they are happy to take requests from individuals interested in this program. Fortunately, there’s time. “We’re so grateful that Cummins Nursery in Ithaca, NY has generously offered to provide safe shelter for the bare-root seedlings while we work to identify permanent homes,” said Mullins. “We believe they’ll all find good homes and with a little luck and a lot of time, they’ll still be flourishing when America reaches its quincentenary.”
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, or identifying a location for a tree, visit the contact page on www.chieftaughannockchapter.com.
# # #
Constitution Week 2021 Collaboration (September, 2021)
The Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR teamed up with the Ninian Chamberlain Society, NSCAR, The History Center in Tompkins County, NY, and Perry Ground, Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation to share The Haudenosaunee Influences on America's Democracy.
Originally a 7-day mini series, the full 10-minute film features NSCAR members learning and sharing more about the beginnings of America's democracy, particularly as it is captured in the Constitution and as it was influenced by the Haudenosaunee. This film was co-directed by Ninian Chamberlain Society member, Knox Travis.
The Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR teamed up with the Ninian Chamberlain Society, NSCAR, The History Center in Tompkins County, NY, and Perry Ground, Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation to share The Haudenosaunee Influences on America's Democracy.
Originally a 7-day mini series, the full 10-minute film features NSCAR members learning and sharing more about the beginnings of America's democracy, particularly as it is captured in the Constitution and as it was influenced by the Haudenosaunee. This film was co-directed by Ninian Chamberlain Society member, Knox Travis.
Contact the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR, Chapter Regent, or Webmaster.
Last updated on: 06/29/2026
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.
Last updated on: 06/29/2026
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.