Rejoice in Our DAR Ties of
Service and Friendship
2022-2025
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization founded in 1890 by four patriotic women in Washington, DC who 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. The mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution is to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and secure America's future through education. Since its founding, over one million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership.
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​Patriotism
Nationally, DAR members support our military, sponsor programs promoting the U.S. Constitution, and participate in naturalization ceremonies. Members volunteer thousands of hours serving American military Veterans and active-duty personnel at Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers and non-VA facilities, and providing care packages to active duty service members. Daughters serve on the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) National Advisory Board and Executive Committee, and NSDAR is a founding partner of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Vivian’s Outreach to Women is DAR's program that focuses on providing support to homeless and indigent women veterans. These are just a few of the ways DAR promotes patriotism in our communities at home and abroad.
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​​Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation is crucial to saving our history for future generations. The National Society restores and maintains historical sites, locates and marks patriot graves; preserves genealogical records, artifacts, and historical documents; and participates in commemorations and memorials. Members volunteer in support of various projects to help preserve the cultural heritage of the United States. NSDAR provides Historic Preservation Grants, and its Museum in Washington, DC houses premier archives exhibits and collections. The DAR Genealogical Research System provides an extensive collection of databases available online, and the DAR Library contains an unrivalled collection of historical books and records.
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​Education
The National Society DAR supports a variety of different programs, contests and awards to help further its goal to promote education. DAR sponsors scholarships, essay contests, youth programs, Constitution Week programs, and DAR Museum portable education programs. Resources available to Educators include the Genealogical Research System (GRS), the DAR Library, the Forgotten Patriots Project, the Americana Collection, and the DAR Archives. DAR Chapters support local schools by providing supplies, books, and other necessities. Programs such as ROTC and JROTC are sponsored by DAR Chapters, and the top cadets are recognized annually.​
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Membership
Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. She must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage and death, as well as of the Revolutionary War service of her Patriot ancestor. Some forms of acceptable service include signing the Declaration of Independence, Military or Civil Service, and Patriotic Service.
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Over two hundred years ago, American colonists sacrificed their lives and fortunes to "establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty" and in doing so, left a legacy to the American people.
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DAR provides the opportunity to...
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contribute to important service projects
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honor and preserve the legacy of patriot ancestors
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make lifelong friends
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participate in unique social and service-oriented programs within your community
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be involved in a variety of programs that provide something for everyone
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gain valuable leadership experience
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establish a network of contacts in your community and all over the world.
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​Please visit the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution "How to Join" page.
Pamela Rouse Wright
NSDAR President General
