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Culture

What is the Daughters of the American Revolution?

By Shannan Powell
Updated Feb 18, 2024
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The DAR, or Daughters of the American Revolution, is an organization of women who work to promote patriotism, history, and education. The society was founded in 1890 and is based out of Washington, D.C. Members pride themselves on the volunteer works and public services their group provides to the veterans and children of the United States.

Membership in this organization is based on lineage. Those who wish to become members must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of a bloodline that dates back to an individual who was involved in the fight for American independence from England. People who want to apply to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution must be prepared to show some type of documentation for each individual in their family tree, leading back to the patriot of the American Revolution.

The National Society of DAR has worked for well over 100 years to support historical preservation and education, as well as to recognize and assist those who have fought for the freedom of the United States throughout the years. The organization contributes to the building and upkeep of national monuments, provides volunteers for veteran's hospitals, and recognizes ordinary American citizens for outstanding patriotic achievements.

Other major projects that the group is involved with include contributions to schools and camp programs for children with special needs and dire circumstances. There are six schools across the country that are funded by the DAR, each providing a unique and supportive environment for those who attend. The different summer camp programs teach children about their heritages and encourage them to take pride in who they are and where they came from.

The Daughters of the American Revolution also provides support and information for those who are researching their genealogy. The DAR library in Washington, D.C. is an extensive resource. Volunteers there have taken the time to transcribe records that otherwise would have been lost to the ages, allowing people access to the information they need to trace their family history accurately.

The group is one of the longest standing exclusive service organizations in the US. Its focus on patriotism and the history of the United States has affected the country's evolution. Those who qualify for acceptance into this organization often have many opportunities for public service.

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Discussion Comments

By B707 — On Nov 03, 2011

The Daughters of the American Revolution could have become just an organization of status because the members were related to a fighter in the Revolutionary War.

But from the beginning, they have set forth admirable goals and continued to add more. They do a lot for children, genealogical research,and historical sights. They give time and energy to veterans of all American wars, not just celebrating the Revolutionary War. They help to keep our tradition of freedom and democracy alive. Hats off to the DAR.

By live2shop — On Nov 02, 2011

An acquaintance of mine was telling me that she was a member of the DAR. I'd be curious to know how she was able to provide documentation of her blood line way back to the Revolutionary War.

She said that she came from a long line of poor farmers. I'm thinking that records on the lower class weren't kept as meticulously as the higher status colonists. I'll have to ask her about this the next time I see her.

There have probably been a number of women who deserve to be a member of the organization, but weren't able to find adequate genealogical records.

By whiteplane — On Nov 01, 2011

I've never known how to feel about the DAR. On the one hand they seem like a well intentioned and fairly innocent organization that is honoring the work of their ancestors.

But on the other hand I worry sometimes when people claim to be more genuine or authentic Americans. Everyone in America is an immigrant and we are all here because all people are welcome. So being the first one here does not entitle anyone to any extra privileges or advantages. Its great that your ancestors fought in the American revolution, but that doesn't make you any different than me.

By ZsaZsa56 — On Nov 01, 2011

My grandmother was in the DAR. They did a lot of good work in the community and raised a lot of money for good causes. But honestly, the organization was mostly about a bunch of old ladies getting together to drink tea and eat cookies and tell mild gossip. Which is a good thing and was great for my grandmother.

The weekly DAR meetings were the best part of her week. She would get dressed up and spend a couple of hours with people she liked at a time in her life when there were not a lot of people around.

By discographer — On Oct 31, 2011

@turkay1-- That's because the Sons of the American Revolution, or SAR in short, was founded before the DAR. I believe SAR was founded in 1876, so that's 14 years before the DAR. SAR was founded but it excluded women from becoming members and so the DAR was created exclusively for women.

I'm sure women would have been more than happy to be part of the original organization had they been allowed to, but they weren't. And you are right in that they have some of the same activities and goals. Both are very active in education and research for example, both build monuments and sponsor community activities.

There is actually an organization called the Children of the American Revolution as well but it's exclusively for those under the age of 22, so it's the children version of the DAR.

By candyquilt — On Oct 30, 2011

I believe in addition to the Daughters of the American Revolution, there is another organization called the Sons of the American Revolution. Why didn't these two unite and form one organization?

I suppose that the Sons of the American Revolution have some of the same objectives and efforts as the DAR. So why not work together and rename the organization as "Children of the American Revolution" or something similar?

I also want to know, is there a membership fee associated with DAR? Or is it enough to be a descendant of a service member in the American Revolution?

By SteamLouis — On Oct 30, 2011

The DAR museum was one of the museums my family and I visited during our trip in Washington D.C. It was smaller and less known than many of the other museums there, but I actually enjoyed it the most. I'm an antique lover and the DAR museum had a lot of antique items and crafts from early American history.

I also loved that they had a special section for children where they were allowed them touch and look at different historical items. Most museums in DC have a 'no-touching' policy which is a bummer for kids because they discover things by touching them. So they were super excited that they could touch and look closely at the items in the DAR museum's children section.

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