Chief Taughannock Chapter – NSDAR, City of Ithaca and community partners celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with lasting gift to future generations
Patriotic music, community partnerships and the laughter of local children filled Stewart Park earlier this month as the Chief Taughannock Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), in partnership with the City of Ithaca, dedicated three Liberty Trees in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The ceremony brought together elected officials, community leaders, local organizations and young campers from the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Stewart Park Day Camp to celebrate the planting of three living memorials that will grow alongside the community while honoring the ideals of unity, democracy, liberty and civic engagement that inspired America’s founding.
Members of Opus Ithaca, a nonprofit community music school serving more than 500 students each week, opened the ceremony with patriotic selections. Young campers from the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Stewart Park Day Camp were an enthusiastic audience throughout the morning, learning about the history of Liberty Trees and America’s founding while participating in the celebration.
“We are here today in an effort to preserve not only our natural surroundings, but also the stories of our past, like those of the Liberty Trees and the important conversations that took place beneath them,” said Amy Little, Regent of the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR. “These Liberty Trees remind us of those who bravely advocated for democracy and freedom 250 years ago, and of those who continue to do the same today.”
Little recognized the partnership between the Chief Taughannock Chapter and the City of Ithaca, thanking City Forester Jeanne Grace and the City’s forestry team for selecting and planting the three trees: an American Sycamore, a Northern Red Oak and a Heritage Oak.
In conjunction with the dedication, the Chief Taughannock Chapter donated a collection of Revolutionary War-themed books to Stewart Park’s Little Free Library, encouraging readers of all ages to explore the people, events and ideals that shaped the founding of the United States.
Diana Riesman, Board Chair of Friends of Stewart Park and Executive Director of the Wharton Studio Museum, highlighted the importance of Stewart Park’s Little Free Library and thanked the Chief Taughannock Chapter for donating a collection of Revolutionary War-themed books that will expand educational opportunities for park visitors of all ages.
Grace then introduced each of the three tree species: the American Sycamore, Northern Red Oak and Heritage Oak, sharing their unique characteristics, ecological importance and connection to America’s natural heritage before inviting attendees to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by Congressman Josh Riley, U.S. Representative for New York’s 19th Congressional District; New York State Assemblymember Anna R. Kelles; and Ithaca Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo, all of whom participated in dedicating one of the three Liberty Trees.
Congressman Riley, joined by his young son, dedicated the first tree, a touching reminder that the Liberty Trees are intended to inspire future generations. Several campers from the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Stewart Park Day Camp then eagerly volunteered to assist with the additional ribbon cuttings, adding a joyful and intergenerational spirit to the celebration.
Assemblymember Anna R. Kelles dedicated the second tree before presenting a New York State Assembly Citation recognizing the Freedom Trees in Stewart Park as “outstanding symbols of our independence and license to gather and speak without restriction,” and declaring them “worthy of the esteem of the entire community and the great State of New York.”
Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo dedicated the third and final tree before presenting an official City of Ithaca proclamation recognizing the Liberty Tree project. The proclamation declares the trees “a living tribute to American independence,” describing Liberty Trees as enduring symbols of unity, courage and freedom, recognizing them as places where early Americans gathered to organize and exchange ideas, and committing them to “the people of Ithaca and of all of Tompkins County, New York, and the patrons of Stewart Park in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.”
The Liberty Tree project reflects the DAR’s founding mission of Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism while creating a lasting gift to the Ithaca community as the nation commemorates the Semiquincentennial.
The project was made possible through the partnership of the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR; the City of Ithaca; Friends of Stewart Park; the Ithaca Youth Bureau; Opus Ithaca; and numerous community volunteers whose collaboration reflects the same spirit of civic engagement symbolized by the original Liberty Trees more than 250 years ago.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the American Sycamore, Northern Red Oak and Heritage Oak will continue growing in Stewart Park as living tributes to American independence. Like the original Liberty Trees that served as gathering places for discussion, protest and unity during the nation’s founding, these trees have now been entrusted to the people of Ithaca and Tompkins County as enduring symbols of democracy, liberty and hope for future generations.
About the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) has a robust story to tell, from its celebrated legacy dating back to 1890 to the volunteer service that members provide in their local communities throughout the country and around the world today.
In the Finger Lakes region of south-central New York, the Chief Taughannock Chapter, NSDAR, members carry on the DAR legacy year-round through meetings and educational programs, volunteer service, historic preservation efforts, and community engagement. Members participate in citizenship programs, welcome newly naturalized Americans, support local schools, contribute to beautification projects, and promote appreciation for American history.
The Chapter takes special pride in welcoming newly awarded American citizens, participating in beautification and clean-up efforts, and overseeing thoughtful essay contests in the school districts where our members live and work.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States. Since the Society’s founding, more than one million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership.
To learn more about local DAR membership please visit www.chieftaughannockchapter.com.
