What is the DAR?

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By Winona I Laird

This is the question I’m always asked when I say, I have a DAR meeting today, or I am a member of the DAR, or the DAR will be marching in the Veterans Day Parade.  To answer the question. What is the DAR? It’s Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage society that is a non-profit, 501 (C )  (3)  charitable organization dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism. Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890, with the mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. The objectives of the Daughters of the American Revolution are:

Historical – to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence. DAR members participate in a wide variety of Historic Preservation projects such as restoring and maintaining historical sites, preserving genealogical records, artifacts and historical documents.

Education - 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.”  The DAR have many educational programs such as Scholarships, essay contests, youth programs.  Resources for teachers are also available.  Educational resources are also available: Genealogical Research system, the DAR Library in Washington D. C., and DAR Museum Portable Education Programs. There are many more educational programs.

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. Patriotism is the foundation of many DAR activities. Some of the activities are volunteering at VA hospitals, National Cemeteries, supporting active duty military, assisting and welcoming naturalized citizens, presenting awards, researching family history, and service for veterans.

As a member of the Daughters of American Revolution you honor and preserve the legacy of your Patriot ancestor. The Revolutionary War was fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.  As a member of DAR you can contribute to service projects, make lifelong friends, gain leadership experience and honor and preserve the legacy of our patriot ancestors.

To become a member of the DAR you must be a woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. These efforts may come through military, civil or patriotic service and must occur during the period between 19 April 1775 (Battle of Lexington) and 26 November 1783 (withdrawal of British Troops from New York). She must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage and death, as well as of the Revolutionary War service of her Patriot ancestor. This can be done using a wide variety of documents such as: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, census records, court records land deeds, wills etc.  Prospective members are also encouraged to use already proven DAR lines when possible.  If your ancestor was involved in the following:

  • a signer of the Declaration of Independence, 
  • served in Military Service, 
  • in Civil service - in the provisional or state Governments, 
  • Patriotic Service – Member of Continental Congress, State Conventions, Members of the Boston Tea Party and much more.
  • Those who rendered material aid and supported the cause of American Independence by furnishing supplies, with or without remuneration, loaning money and/or providing munitions. Some states enacted special tax laws to raise money for supplies. Payment of these “supply” taxes is considered patriotic service. You might say “My ancestors were Quakers, so I don’t qualify. There were many Quakers who supported the revolution by providing medical help, feeding the soldiers and much more. They are considered a patriot and would make you eligible to join the DAR.

A complete list is on www.dar.org

 DAR volunteers in chapters throughout the country can provide guidance and assistance with the application process. Admission to membership in the National Society is through a chapter. If you know of a chapter near you contact them, then fill out a Pedigree Chart as completely as you can, take it with you when you meet with the Chapter representative. Or, go to DAR.org; click on (Become a member section), fill out the “Member Interest Form”, you will be contacted by the Registrar from the chapter nearest to you. Each Chapter has a Registrar who will help you gather your information for submitting your application.

The National Society Daughter of the American Revolution headquarters is located in Washington D C.  The website is www.dar.org.  I am a member is Mary Fell Stevenson Chapter in Black Diamond, Washington and am Regent of the Chapter.

Winona I Laird



Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 14, 2019 at 10:05 AM

    It's on my list to someday apply to DAR in connection with my ancestor David Kellogg.

    ReplyDelete

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