South Jersey SAR School Programs
Engaging Students and Educators
Our local chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) proudly takes part in several prestigious awards programs annually, aimed at engaging students and educators more deeply with the period of the American Revolution. These awards programs, brought to you by the national SAR, are dedicated to fostering civic duty and responsibility, promoting innovative and effective teaching methods, and facilitating a more profound comprehension of the intricate matters related to America’s war for independence. Each year, our youth programs commence at the grassroots level here at our local chapter, progressively advancing towards the society and national stages throughout each competition. The awards season culminates at the esteemed annual SAR Congress.
Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award
Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award winner will be able to choose a trip to one of the following seminars:
• Freedoms Foundation Summer Teacher Graduate Workshop at Valley Forge, Pa.,
• Colonial Williamsburg Summer Teacher Workshop in Williamsburg, Va.,
• Jefferson Symposium at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.,
• SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution.
The award winner will represent a teacher whose instruction on the Revolutionary War era from 1750 – 1800 demonstrates educational efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above current accepted curriculum requirements.
The George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
The program is designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history. At Chapter, State Society, and National Society levels, students must submit an original essay, with topics based on original research and deal with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Cash award.
The Americanism Poster Contest
This contest is open to students in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, depending on when the American Revolution is taught in their school system. This includes public, private, parochial, charter, and home-schooled students. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Cub Scouts, and Brownies who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based on the portrayal of the theme, originality, evidence of research, neatness, artistic merit, and creativity. The permanent themes are “Revolutionary War Events” in school years ending in an even number and “Revolutionary War Persons” in school years ending in an odd number. National winners receive a ribbon, certificate, and a cash award. Prizes on the state and chapter levels vary.
The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
The Rumbaugh Oration contest, open to all students in grades 9-12 supports the Secondary School and SAR education objectives by perpetuating the stories of patriotism, courage, tragedy and triumph of the men and women who achieved the independence of the American people. These stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each generation as it is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions. The Orations Contest has the endorsement and seal of approval on our web-site of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Our Chapter members are the primary drivers in stimulating students to participate. They work through teachers of all subjects in the school system and the Home School Associations. The contest culminates in an inspiring National Orations Contest held each year, with State winners representing their respective Societies and Districts.
C.A.R Activity Award
The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) is an organization of persons through 21 years of age who are lineal descendants of a patriot of the American Revolution. The C.A.R. is an independent organization which looks to the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and General Society of the Sons of the Revolution (SR) for its leadership and financial support. The C.A.R. needs adult leaders, financial support, and members. An SAR member may hold a “Senior Leader” office in a local-, state-, regional-, or the national-levels of the C.A.R. Direct descendants of SAR and DAR members (from birth to 22 years of age) are eligible for C.A.R. membership.
The Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest
This contest is open to middle school students, depending on when the American Revolution or Government is taught in their school system. This includes public, private, parochial, charter and home schooled students. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based upon content, creativity and correctness. The permanent theme is “The Founding Documents of the United States.” National winners receive a ribbon, certificate and a cash award. Prizes on the state and chapter level vary.
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
18th Century Field Day & Fall Festival – 10/18 Details Where: Red Bank Battlefield, National Park When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm Rain Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 am to
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
249th Commemoration of the Battle of Red Bank: A National SAR Color Guard Event 1:00 PM Save the date for Sunday, October 18th with a rain date of October 25th,
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America – National Day of Remembrance Honoring Our Veterans at Beverly National Cemetery Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates a national day of remembrance to honor and remember
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Gloucester Twp.18th Century Day & Fall Festival & Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
18th Century Field Day & Fall Festival – 10/18 Details Where: Red Bank Battlefield, National Park When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm Rain Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 am to
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
Battle of Red Bank Memorial Service
249th Commemoration of the Battle of Red Bank: A National SAR Color Guard Event 1:00 PM Save the date for Sunday, October 18th with a rain date of October 25th,
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America-at the Beverly National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America – National Day of Remembrance Honoring Our Veterans at Beverly National Cemetery Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates a national day of remembrance to honor and remember
Chapter News
Why 2026 Matters: Presentation at the Farmstead at Medford Veterans Breakfast
On July 3, 2026, South Jersey Chapter SAR member Rich Serfass presented a special program at the Farmstead at Medford Veterans Breakfast titled “Why 2026 Matters: The American Revolution, Its Veterans, and the Legacy Around Us.” The 40-minute presentation focused on...
Pomeroy Patriot Burials Sign Received for Bethel United Methodist Church
On July 2, 2026, the South Jersey Chapter SAR received the Pomeroy “Patriot Burials” graveyard sign that will be installed at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Sewell, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The marker recognizes the cemetery as the final resting...
South Jersey Chapter SAR Meeting – June 20, 2026
The South Jersey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution held its June meeting on June 20, 2026, at the Camden County Library in Voorhees. The chapter welcomed New Jersey writer and historian Tony DiGerolamo as its guest speaker. DiGerolamo presented “Stories...