National Society Sons of the American Revolution

The National Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is a nonprofit, non-political organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and educating future generations. It is the largest male lineage society in the United States.

History

The organization traces its roots back to the centennial celebrations of the Declaration of Independence in 1876, when a group of descendants of Revolutionary War patriots formed the Sons of Revolutionary Sires in San Francisco. However, the modern SAR was formally established on April 30, 1889, the 100th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. This founding took place at Fraunces Tavern in New York City by William Osborn McDowell, who sought to create a more inclusive and broad-based organization than the existing Sons of the Revolution in New York[1][2].

Mission and Activities

The SAR is composed of male descendants, aged 18 and above, of individuals who served or supported the American Revolution. Its members are organized into over 590 local chapters across the U.S. and several international chapters[5]. The SAR focuses on several core missions:

• Promoting Patriotism: The organization honors the legacy of Revolutionary War patriots and supports the principles on which the United States was founded[5].
• Community Service: Members participate in local and national events, honoring veterans, and engaging in civic activities[5].
• Education: The SAR promotes educational programs to enlighten youth about American history and ideals[5].
• Historical Preservation: It supports the preservation of historical sites and documents from the Revolutionary era, including efforts behind the creation of the National Archives[1][5].

Leadership and Structure

The SAR hosts annual national congresses and several leadership meetings throughout the year. It operates with a national office and numerous state-level societies that coordinate local activities[1]. As a fraternal society, its members include descendants of Revolutionary patriots and prominent individuals such as U.S. presidents and international dignitaries[5].

Recognition and Impact

The SAR has played a significant role in preserving American historical records and sites. It has been instrumental in cataloging and marking Revolutionary War patriot graves[1]. Moreover, SAR members have contributed to various national and international endeavors, reflecting their commitment to community service and historical preservation[5].