In 1889, the centennial of President George Washington’s inauguration was celebrated, and Americans looked for additional ways to recognize their past. William O. McDowell, a New Jersey financier and businessman, organized the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) at Fraunces Tavern in New York City, on April 30, 1889. The SAR is a male lineage society that recognizes men who can trace their ancestry to patriots of the American Revolution.
After the Sons of the American Revolution refused to allow women to join their group, McDowell and others helped them form the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a national organization for women who descend from American Revolution era figures. The first meeting of the society was held October 11, 1890, at the Strathmore Arms boarding house in Washington, D.C. U.S. First Lady Caroline Lavina Scott Harrison (wife of President Benjamin Harrison) served as the DAR first President General. She helped establish the goals of DAR, which was incorporated by congressional charter in 1896.
On June 9, 1906, SAR was formally granted a congressional charter. The act was signed by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a member. Today, SAR, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 30,000 members in more than 500 chapters across the United States and other countries. The society is involved in historical research, raising funds for local scholarships and educational awards, and preservation of sites and documents related to the American Revolution. Historically, SAR petitioned Congress to store Revolutionary era documents in a fire-proof area and make them available to the public, leading to the creation of the National Archives, and was also instrumental in the establishment of Constitution Day. The society is active in promoting patriotism, cataloging and marking Revolutionary War patriot graves, and conducting an annual Eagle Scout scholarship program.
DAR, headquartered in Washington, DC, has over 190,000 current members in more than 3,000 chapters in the United States and other countries. The organization’s original motto, “Home and Country,” was changed in the twentieth century to “God, Home, and Country.” The organization promotes historical preservation, education, and patriotism. In addition to their historic and educational work (which supports schools, literacy programs and scholarships), DAR members provide over 200,000 hours of volunteer time annually to veteran programs. Members also offer support to America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad through care packages and other needed items.
Joining SAR or DAR is a way to honor one’s ancestry while actively participating in efforts to preserve the legacy of those who fought for American independence.
The SAR and DAR organizations have grown to become significant custodians of American heritage, offering educational programs, scholarships, and community service projects, all aimed at preserving the legacy of those who fought and supported the fight for freedom.
To join either organization, applicants must demonstrate direct lineal descent from a patriot who supported the American cause during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). This can include military service, civil service, or other forms of support, such as providing supplies or signing oaths of allegiance. Applicants must gather extensive genealogical documentation to prove their lineage and the patriot’s contributions. This often involves tracing ancestry back several generations. The application process typically involves contacting a local chapter of SAR or DAR for guidance, completing a specific application form, and submitting supporting documentation. Local chapters can provide valuable assistance throughout the process.
One of the most significant hurdles applicants face is the scarcity or absence of direct documentation, especially for connections that span several generations. Early American records can be incomplete, lost, or destroyed, making it challenging to establish a direct lineage. Applicants often need to rely on secondary sources or circumstantial evidence that requires careful interpretation and verification against genealogical standards.
Tips for Overcoming Documentation and Eligibility Hurdles:
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter questions or need assistance with your SAR/DAR application. Local SAR/DAR chapters are valuable resources for applicants. Many offer workshops, one-on-one assistance, and review services to help you with your application. Online genealogy forums and social media groups can be excellent places to seek advice, share research tips, and connect with others going through the application process. If you hit a significant roadblock or have a complex case, visit your local library’s genealogy center and/or a local genealogy society.
The journey to discover our roots and understand our heritage is fascinating and deeply rewarding. For descendants of those who fought or contributed to the American Revolution, this journey holds the promise of connecting with a pivotal moment in history. Membership in SAR or DAR is not only a tribute to one’s lineage, but also an opportunity to engage with a community dedicated to preserving historical sites, educating the public about the Revolution, and promoting patriotism.
In researching this article, Postcards spoke with both a local SAR and DAR member. Here are some thoughts and perspective shared by each.
“The three main pillars of DAR are historic preservation, education, and patriotism. It is one of the largest women’s service organization in the world, with more than one million women admitted throughout its history.
To join DAR, a woman must be able to prove direct descent from someone who aided or fought in the Revolutionary War. I grew up hearing stories about our family history from my great-grandmother—my father’s grandmother. Her family immigrated from France to Germany and eventually settled in Deep East Texas, in Deadwood near Carthage. She passed away in 2008. Several years later, around the time of COVID, we discovered a DAR membership card in her wallet while sorting through old photographs and family keepsakes.
That discovery sparked my interest in learning more about the organization. With help from a state committee chair, I provided my great-grandmother’s national membership number, which allowed them to locate her original application. Because the earlier generations had already been documented and approved, I only needed to gather records proving the more recent generations in my family line.
When someone joins DAR, the organization considers factors such as location, meeting schedules, travel preferences, and service interests to help match them with a chapter. At the time, I was living in Huntsville, but I knew I would soon be moving to Montgomery. I joined the Margaret Montgomery Chapter in Conroe and moved to Montgomery shortly after my application was approved.
I immediately felt welcomed and quickly became involved in chapter leadership. A few years later, a couple of friends and I undertook the process of researching and applying to charter a new DAR chapter in Montgomery, a community rich in Texas history. In June 2025, the Mary Vaughan Corner Chapter was officially approved. Cindy Amburgey serves as Regent, and I currently serve as Vice Regent.
This year, the Texas State Historic Preservation Committee sponsored a statewide contest that encouraged members to visit and photograph Texas historical markers. Even though ours was a newly organized chapter, we won the statewide competition by visiting more markers than any other chapter in Texas. It was especially exciting because it was our first year as an official chapter.
My original reason for joining DAR was simple: I wanted a connection to my great-grandmother. She was a teacher who graduated from Sam Houston State Teachers College in the 1920s. I also became a teacher through Sam Houston, and I have always felt a special connection to her because of the many similarities in our lives.
For me, DAR has strengthened the connection to my great-grandmother. I wish I had joined when I was younger, but I am grateful to be involved now. It has also deepened my appreciation for the freedoms and responsibilities that come with living in a democracy. While DAR is a nonpolitical organization, it is deeply committed to community service, historic preservation, education, and strengthening local communities. That is why I joined, and why I continue to be involved today.”
“I joined SAR after I retired in 2021, and I became President of the Capt. John McAdams Chapter in Huntsville, Texas in March 2026.
I joined to engage in a beneficial hobby with my community that promotes education of the ideals of our patriot ancestors found in the constitution, declaration of independence, and the history at the time.
Some of my favorite activities have been:
For more information, visit sar.org or dar.org.
Area DAR Chapters:
Mary Vaughan Corner (Montgomery)
Coushatti Trace (Willis)
Margaret Montgomery (Conroe)
Spring Creek (The Woodlands)
