How to Join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a volunteer organization founded in 1890. To become a member of this valuable organization you must be a women over 18 years of age and be able to prove you descend from a patriot of the American Revolution (regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background). The DAR members volunteer their time for veteran's organization, patriotic causes, and provide scholarships and financial aid for students. If you believe you have a patriot in your lineage, becoming a member of this valuable organization is a great way to honor your ancestors and your country.

Instructions

1. FIND YOUR LINEAGE: The first step to becoming a member is establishing your lineage or family tree. The DAR has identified resources that will assist you in this task. You start by filling out a pedigree chart. [See Additional Resources Links #1 through #6 below for assistance.]

2. IDENTIFY YOUR PATRIOT ANCESTOR: There are many resources to help you in the search for your patriot. The easiest service to prove military service, but other service is also accepted. First, check the Acceptable Service link below to identify the time period and categories of acceptable service. Your patriot did not necessarily have to fight. He/She could have provided civil or patriotic service. Next, the DAR Patriot Index Lookup Service will search our database of previously submitted ancestors. If your ancestor isn't listed in our Index you will want to check records in the state in which your ancestor lived. Our publication, Is That Service Right? lists well-documented sources for each of the original thirteen states. The DAR Library has many of these sources. Finally, there are chapter and state Lineage Research Chairmen who will assist you throughout the application process. [See Additional Resources Links #7 through #12 below for links to these resources.]

3. FIND A DAR CHAPTER NEAR YOU: Next, you need to contact a chapter in your area. There are nearly 3,000 chapters worldwide from which to choose. Once you've identified a chapter in your area, click on the email link, fill in the prospective member form and choose "send." Should there not be a chapter close to you, please contact us. You will be able to attend monthly meetings as a "Prospective Member". Chapter members and national members will be able to assist you with the membership process. [See Additional Resources Links #13 & #14 below for links find a chapter near you or for the "contact us" link if you need additional help.]

4. APPLICATION PROCESS: Once you've found a chapter, you will begin the application process. You will need to provide proof for each date and place, for each generation, starting with yourself and going back lineally to your Patriot. In the first three generations, these proofs would consist of photocopies of birth, marriage, and death documents. For other generations back to the Patriot, one or more of the following items would usually be considered acceptable proof: cemetery records, tombstone inscriptions, obituaries, probate records, wills, census records, Bible records, local histories, and well-documented genealogies. Relationships between generations MUST be proven. If you wish to start documenting your information you can use the application worksheet, but this is not required. Your local chapter's members and national members will be there to assist you in your search and documentation. [See Additional Resources Links #15 & #16 below for worksheet and instructions.]

Tips & Warnings

• If you can find a relative that is a member of the DAR or SAR, you can use that information for membership. Original applications can be obtained from the national offices.

• Be patient, this process can take some time. Many "prospective member" enjoy attending monthly meetings until the process has been completed.

Resources

• Genealogy Begins Here
• Finding Your Lineage
• Pedigree Chart
• Obtaining Vital Records
• Documenting Recent Generations - Suggested Sources
• Hot Tips from the Lineage Research Committee
• Acceptable Service
• DAR Patriot Index Lookup Service
• Is That Service Right?
• DAR Library
• National Archives Order for Copies of Veterans Records
• Application Paper Copy Request
• Genealogy Worksheet
• Worksheet Instructions