On Oct. 2, the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Recording Secretary Vicki Schicker with its 2025 Americanism Recognition. DAR chapters and state societies are encouraged to salute the patriotic and civic volunteer service of individuals or groups within their community and the Daughters of the American Revolution. This recognition is managed and distributed at the chapter and/or state levels. The works and activities of the intended recipient must be nonpolitical and meet the high standards of the DAR mission. Schicker is the first such local honoree. Each October to celebrate DAR’s anniversary and the National Day of Service, the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter now will honor one member with this award. The chapter feted Schicker for her work not only in DAR, but also with the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum, Rainbow Hospice Care and her church community.

Pictured here, Schicker, left, is presented a certificate by Jessica Punzel, chapter corresponding secretary and registrar and Wisconsin Society DAR Insignia Committee chair and Page Committee co-chair

Organized in 1899, the Fort Atkinson Chapter of DAR was one of the earliest and largest chapters in Wisconsin for many years. In 1992, it merged with the Eli Pierce Chapter, which was founded in Whitewater in 1941.

Today, chapter members reside in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Whitewater, Milton, Janesville and surrounding communities, as well as in several other states.