DAR

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890, during a time that was marked by a revival in patriotism and intense interest in the beginnings of the United States of America. Women felt the desire to express their patriotic feelings and were frustrated by their exclusion from men’s organizations formed to perpetuate the memory of ancestors who fought to make this country free and independent. As a result, a group of pioneering women in the nation’s capital formed their own organization and the Daughters of the American Revolution has carried the torch of patriotism ever since.

The objectives laid forth in the first meeting of the DAR have remained the same in 125 years of active service to the nation. Those objectives are: Historical – to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; Educational – to carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, “to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion…”; and Patriotic – to cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.

Since its founding in 1890, DAR has admitted more than 950,000 members.

 

For more than a century, the members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavor. These goals are as relevant in today’s society as they were when the organization was founded in 1890.

Most of DAR’s volunteer work is accomplished by the grassroots efforts of chapters on the local level which focus on the mission areas of DAR by encouraging members to become involved in these initiatives in their local communities.  Learn what DAR does to promote Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism.

Historic Preservation

DAR members participate in an array of projects to help preserve our cultural heritage, including:

  • Restoring and maintaining historical sites
  • Locating, restoring and marking Revolutionary War patriot gravesites and headstones
  • Organizing and contributing to major restorations, commemorations and memorials
  • Placing monuments around the world to memorialize people and events throughout American history
  • Preserving genealogical records, artifacts and historical documents and making these items available to the public at DAR Headquarters

Education 

DAR members are passionate about educating the youth of America and contributing to schools and student programs in a variety of ways, including:

  • Supporting six schools through chapter and member donations of money as well as personal time:
    1. Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, Grant, AL
    2. Tamassee DAR School, Tamassee, SC
    3. Crossnore School, Crossnore, NC
    4. Hillside School, Marlborough, MA
    5. Hindman Settlement School, Hindman, KY
    6. Berry College, Mount Berry, GA
  • Providing scholarships and funds to American Indian children and schools, including:
    • Chemawa Indian School, Salem, OR
    • Bacone College, Muskogee, OK
  • Providing scholarships and awards to outstanding students throughout the country
  • Promoting education and citizenship through youth programs such as Children of the American Revolution, DAR Good Citizens and Junior American Citizens
  • Sponsoring American history essay contests for youth in grades 5 through 8
  • Offering educational summer camps and cultural programs through the DAR Museum

Patriotism

DAR Members’ love of country is evident in the multitude of patriotic endeavors they pursue, including:

  • Providing more than 200,000 hours of volunteer time annually to veterans in Veterans Administration hospitals and non-VA facilities
  • Offering support to America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad through care packages, phone cards and other needed items
  • Sponsoring special programs promoting the Constitution during its official celebration week of September 17-23
  • Participating in naturalization ceremonies
  • Presenting patriotic awards to deserving individuals including:
    • Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award
    • DAR Good Citizens awards and medals
    • ROTC medals
    • Community Service awards

 

For more information, please visit: https://www.dar.org/