About DAR

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890, after our patriotic nation celebrated the centennial anniversary of the United States. Many people wanted to express their love of country by forming patriot groups organizations. From the beginning, DAR sought to celebrate and preserve our nation’s history through the support of veteran causes and community initiatives. Today, the members show their love of country through volunteer hours, donations, and alliances with local service groups to support the three main focuses of the organization’s mission: historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

The beautiful National Headquarters complex is located in Washington, D.C. It comprises three buildings and three collections, including the DAR Museum that houses and preserves historic collections and the DAR Library used by genealogists to research their family history.

The NSDAR launched The Honoring Our Patriots website. You will learn about the DAR Pathway of the Patriots, an initiative to plant 250 trees along a greenway trail in Pennsylvania to honor the men and women who helped achieve American independence. The website contains information and links to the Forgotten Patriots Project, a project to remember African-Americans, Native Americans, and multiracial Patriots who fought so gallantly for freedom and independence from the British.

While the organization is very interested in our nation’s history and governance, it is a nonpolitical, nonprofit volunteer women’s service organization. Interestingly, it is internationally represented with chapters across the globe. The DAR unwaveringly preserves the history of the United States, works to secure better education for all, and promotes patriotism.