National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution

Tips for Displaying the Flag

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is an organization of women directly descended from a person who aided in establishing American Independence. The members of DAR share a love of country and a rich heritage.

The goal of the organization is to promote historical preservation, national patriotism, and education. Its programs promote appreciation of the past, patriotic service in the present, and educational training for the future. The DAR helps preserve shrines that keep alive the memory of persons who furthered the cause of American Independence. It encourages the study of American history, and maintains relics and records of early America.

The organization supports two schools in remote mountain areas of Alabama and South Carolina that are cut off from regular school systems. It also aids six other schools and colleges. The DAR sponsors Junior American Citizens Clubs for schoolchildren, provides scholarships for American Indians, and runs an annual DAR Good Citizens contest in U.S. high schools. The organization's official publication is called "American Spirit."

The DAR was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1890. It was chartered by Congress in 1896 and must report to Congress each year. It has chapters in the United States and other countries.

Headquarters of the DAR consists of three adjoining buildings at 1776 D Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20006-5392. Memorial Continental Hall houses one of the largest genealogical libraries in the United States. The building also contains 28 State Rooms that are furnished in historic American styles. The Administration Building houses the Society's business offices and a museum. Constitution Hall is an auditorium where the society holds its annual Continental Congress and where many of Washington's cultural events are held.

NSDAR Objectives

1. To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence, by the acquisition and protection of historical spots and the erection of monuments, by the encouragement of historical research in relation to the American Revolution and the publication of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the records of the individual services of the Revolutionary soldiers and patriots; and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.

2. 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, and affording to young and old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of American Citizens.

3. 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.

(Extracted from the Bylaws, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Article II.)

NOTE: Applicants who are studying to become naturalized citizens are encouraged to read the Citizenship Manual in its entirety, available online on the NSDAR website.

Contact us for more information.

For comments about this website, contact G. Stanley, Webmaster.