Chapter XIV – Chicago, IL

Founded: 1952

Chapter History: Chapter XIV was established in 1952. Known as the “Chicago Chapter”, members live in communities from the Wisconsin border to Interstate 80, from Indiana to the Mississippi River. We gather in places and for programs in a variety of locations to serve our members’ geographic diversity. We support the work of the Society, contributing to the Society’s gardens and Museum. The Chapter contributed to the Society’s restoration of the ironwork gates at Jamestown and members have attended the commemorative trips celebrating the completion of the most recent work. Chicago Chapter women who have demonstrated leadership in their careers and service activity have been recognized by the Society on three occasions. Luanne Frosch Bruckner, Sharon Hare, and Mary Gustafson have all received the Society’s Van Rensselaer Award. Sharon Hare, our immediate past-President, was the first Chicago Chapter member to be elected the Colonial Dames of America Board of Managers.

Historic Preservation & Education: The Chapter’s most recent project in Illinois was the support for the newly established National Museum of the American Sailor. A donation was made to the Museum to help create a visitor reception area in a facility at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Subsequent donations focused on supporting the museum’s internship program and acquisitions program. The Society recognized the chapter’s work with the CDA Excellence Award. On the small scale, we are establishing a tradition of introducing our CDA qualifying ancestor’s and their work to fellow members at our meetings.

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