Welcome to our home on the information superhighway.  The Springfield Chapter is a historical, educational and patriotic organization that actively promotes our Society's goals.  We serve the cities and towns in Menard and Sangamon Counties and have been doing so since our founding in 1897.  (Click here to read more about our chapter's history.)  Our chapter meetings are usually held the third Saturday of the months January, April, July and October.  These are just some of our programs:

• Outstanding Citizenship Program.  Present outstanding citizenship awards to area high school seniors.  The chapter invites all 21 high schools in Sangamon and Menard Counties to participate in the SAR Outstanding Citizenship program.  The Springfield Chapter recognizes an outstanding senior from each participating school at an award luncheon to which students, parents, and school administrators are invited.
• Eagle Scout Program.  Working with the Abraham Lincoln Council, the Springfield Chapter recognizes all Eagle Scouts at a council-wide event held at the Illinois State Capitol.  Each Eagle Scout is encouraged to enter the state and national competition by filling out an application consisting of a two page form , a four generation ancestor chart and a 500 word essay.  Since 2007 the Eagle Scout selected as most worthy statewide is recognized at the Illinois Society SAR annual meeting in May and receives a bronze eagle statue and a $500 award.  The scout is also entered in the Society-wide competition.  .  
• Veterans Program.  Chapter members are encouraged to support veterans and veterans programs.  Members make visitations, collect money, magazines and clothes and participate in as many veteran activities as possible.  Each year, the Illinois Society gives $1,500 to a different veteran's home in Illinois.  The selected home uses the money to purchase items for veterans that are not covered by a government agenty.  In addition, SAR color guard members participate in veteran parades and other patriotic activities.  
• Law Enforcement.  Each May, the Springfield Chapter recognizes an outstanding member of the law enforcement community who has served with distinction and devotion.  Although no specific requirements exist for this  award, the chapter solicits recommendations from chapter members and local law enforcement officials.  The award is usually presented by the chapter Law Enforcement Chairman and Chapter President at the Springfield Police Department's award ceremony.
• Flag Award.  Members of our chapter are encouraged to give Flag Awards to their friends and neighbors who fly the flag regularly.  The Illinois Society is recognized each year at the National Congress as having one of the more active Flag Award programs in the National Society.  
• Color Guard.  More men are acquiring Revolutionary War uniforms and participating in color guard activities.  Currently, nine Spring Chapter members have uniforms are are participating all over the state in parades (including the Illinois State Fair parade), veterans activities, grave markings, DAR activities, CAR meetings and air shows.  Members of the Springfield Chapter Color Guard are:  Stephen Bradley, Stephen Bradley II, Bob Dennison, R. Garey Hodge, Jeff Kirby, Sam Kirby, Richard Moldenhauer, David Preston and Karl Reed.  We believe the Color Guard helps encourage interest in patriotic activities and our country's history.
• American History Teacher Award.  The Illinois Society wants to identify, recognize and award Outstanding Social Studies teachers.  Each year, An extraordinary educator at private, public, and parochial institution who teach children in a middle school, high school, community college, or university is recognized for actively addressing the history of the American Revolution era.  The Charles B. and Eleanor N. Schweizer American History Teacher Award is presented to a teacher whose instruction on the era from 1750-1800 demonstrates education efforts in the classroom that exceed and excell above current, accepted, curriculum requirements.  The Illinois winner receives a $500 award and is recognized at the Illinois Society Annual Meeting in May.  The teacher is also entered in the National Society competition.

SAR members come from all walks of life.  Their commonality is a deep affection for our country, its heritage and its institutions.  Perhaps you would like to join us?  Contact Karl Reed,  Stephen Bradley or Toby Chamberlain for further information.  

• January 21, 2012 ~ Springfield Chapter meeting at MCL Cafeteria 2151 Wabash Ave at 11 AM.
• February 3-4, 2012 ~ State BoM meeting, Bloomington, IL (Marriott Hotel) 9 A.M.
• February 18, 2012 ~ 115th Anniversary Celebration Springfield Chapter Founding, Panther Creek C.C.
• March 3, 2013 ~ Outstanding Citizenship Luncheon at the Panther Creek C.C. at 11 AM,
• March 10-12, 2012 ~ Leadership/Trustee Meeting, Louisville, KY (Brown Hotel)
• April 15, 2012 ~ Lincoln Death Day Ceremony, Lincoln's Tomb, Springfield, IL
• April 21, 2012 ~ Springfield Chapter meeting at MCL Cafeteria 2151 Wabash Ave at 11 AM.
• May 18-19, 2012 ~ Annual Meeting Illinois Society in Springfield, IL (Hilton Hotel) 8:30 AM.
• July 7-11, 2012 ~ 122nd Annual NSSAR Congress, phoenix AZ (Biltmore Hotel)
  
• July 21, 2012  ~ Springfield Chapter Meeting, 11 a.m., MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave
• August 9, 2012 Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, Springfield, IL
• August 10-11 2012 State BOM meeting Springfield, IL (Hilton Hotel) 8:30 AM
  

As a lineage society, SAR members can trace their family tree back to an ancestor (man or woman) who supported the cause of American independence.  Your family member may not have fought but may have supported the cause in other ways, such as providing food or shelter to the troops.   Click here to read about Revolutionary War patriots buried in Sangamon, Logan, Menard and Morgan Counties.