Nearly 250 years ago, American colonists sacrificed their lives and fortunes to “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.” In doing so, they left a legacy of freedom to the American people. If one of them was your ancestor, congratulations! You might be eligible for membership! When you join the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, you too perpetuate their legacies by promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.
Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. This means that your ancestor could have provided food for soldiers, served in the military, served their town as a leader, or provided aid to the wounded, as a few examples.
Joining the DAR does not require a passion for genealogy, but it helps to have knowledge of your family history. To determine your eligibility, you will need to list your ancestral line of descent from the Patriot. Start now by gathering vital documents — such as birth, marriage, and death certificates — for yourself, your parents, grandparents, and possibly great-grandparents. Then, the Genealogical Research System (GRS) can assist you. This DAR online genealogical portal includes information from the DAR library catalog and ancestor database that you can use to find your Patriot ancestor. Along with the Caladesi Chapter, NSDAR, the Florida State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (FSSDAR) has volunteers in more than 100 chapters who can assist you if you need help with your research.
To begin your journey, please email Caladesi Chapter, NSDAR registrar!
Photos courtesy of Caladesi Chapter, NSDAR, members.