National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Overview

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), often abbreviated as DAR, is a non-profit, lineage-based service organization founded for women with direct lineage to patriots of the American Revolutionary War. Established on October 11, 1890, at the Strathmore Arms in Washington, D.C., the organization focuses on historic preservation, education, patriotism, and community service.

Founders and History

The DAR was founded by Mary Smith Lockwood, Mary Desha, Ellen Hardin Walworth, and Eugenia Washington, a great-grandniece of George Washington. The founding followed the Sons of the American Revolution's refusal to admit women, marking a pivotal moment in the formation of patriarchal lineage societies for women[1].

Objectives and Activities

Community Service and Patriotism

• Veteran Support: DAR members volunteer extensively in U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals and other facilities, contributing over 200,000 volunteer hours annually. They also support current service personnel through care packages and other essential items[1].

• Civic Projects: DAR participates in various projects promoting citizenship and the Constitution, including sponsoring programs during Constitution Week and participating in naturalization ceremonies[1][5].

Education

• Scholarships and Schools: The organization supports several schools across the United States, including Berry College, Crossnore School, Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, Hillside School, and Hindman Settlement School. Additionally, scholarships are provided for Native American youth at Chemawa Indian School and Bacone College[1].

• Youth Programs: DAR offers scholarships, essay contests, and youth programs aimed at fostering patriotism and educational excellence[5].

Historic Preservation

• Preservation Grants: The DAR awards grants for historic preservation projects across the United States[5].

• Exhibits and Collections: At its headquarters, DAR maintains a genealogical library and exhibit galleries showcasing American furniture, silver, and furnishings, as well as women's arts and crafts[1].

Membership and Governance

Membership in the DAR is limited to direct female descendants of individuals who contributed to the American Revolution. As of the latest estimates, the organization has over 190,000 members worldwide[1]. The current president general is Pamela Rouse Wright.

Publications

The organization has published several magazines, including the American Monthly (until 2001) and currently the American Spirit Magazine and Daughters Magazine[1].

The DAR's motto, originally "Home and Country," was later updated to "God, Home, and Country," reflecting its core values of patriotism, community service, and religious faith[1].