The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded on October 11, 1890, in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit volunteer women’s service organization focused on promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and advancing education for children. Their motto is “God, Home, and Country,” and they are comprised of women around the world who are descendants of patriots from the nation’s fight for independence. An inspirational figure in the organization’s history is Hannah White Arnett, who successfully shamed local men into remaining committed to the fight for American independence during the occupation of Lord Cornwallis and his Redcoats in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1776. The organization’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., is home to a vast collection of industrial decorative arts, a concert hall, and a free public library with a significant collection of genealogical records.
The Daughters of the American Revolution was created in response to the founding of the Sons of the American Revolution in 1889, which excluded women from their group. 18 women and four supporters held the DAR’s first official meeting on October 11, 1890, at the home of Mary S. Lockwood. The organization has grown to encompass 190,000 members in all 50 states and several foreign countries, with membership open to any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. The DAR is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by their heroic ancestors who fought for independence from the British Empire.
Ellen Hardin Walworth, one of the DAR’s co-founders, was inspired by her great-grandfather’s participation in the Battles of Saratoga and played a significant role in preserving historical sites like George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The organization’s motto, “God, Home, and Country,” reflects their commitment to volunteerism, scholarship, and community service. DAR members volunteer millions of service hours annually in their local communities, including supporting military personnel, providing scholarships, and donating to schools for underserved children. Since its founding, over 1 million women have been members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The DAR library collection features over 225,000 books, 10,000 research files, and special collections focused on African American, Native American, and women’s history and culture. The organization’s efforts to preserve American history and promote patriotism have made it one of the largest women-owned collections of buildings in the world. Their dedication to educating future generations about the nation’s founding principles and the sacrifices made by their ancestors is evident in their continued support for historical sites, scholarship programs, and community service initiatives.
The Daughters of the American Revolution take pride in their heritage as descendants of American patriots and are committed to upholding the values of independence, courage, and sacrifice embodied by their forebears. The organization’s focus on promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and supporting education aligns with their mission to secure America’s future through volunteerism and community service. With members spanning across all 50 states and several foreign countries, the DAR continues to honor the legacy of those who fought for America’s independence and inspire future generations to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for all.
