About Us

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

250 years ago, American Patriots fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. With their efforts in mind, four women founded the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1890 as a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization with the threefold mission of supporting historic preservation, promoting education, and encouraging patriotism. 

Over one million women have joined since DAR’s founding. Today, there are roughly 3,000 chapters and more than 175,000 current members worldwide.  Virginia DAR alone has over 120 chapters and nearly 10,000 members.     

DAR continues to carry the torch of patriotism. Each year, DAR members volunteer more than five million hours, award more than $150,000 in scholarships and financial aid, preserve historic sites and records, honor active-duty military, veterans, and first responders, welcome new citizens, and so much more! 

MISSION: To promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

MOTTO: “God, Home, and Country”

2025-2028 NATIONAL THEME: “Illuminate Our Legacy”

FUN FACTS:

  • Founded: October 11, 1890
  • Incorporated: 1896 by an Act of Congress
  • More than 130 years of service to the nation
  • Over 1 million members since its founding
  • 3000 chapters within the U.S. and in 11 countries
  • The DAR Headquarters complex occupies an entire city block near the White House and includes three adjoining buildings, two of which are Registered National Historic Landmarks.
  • It is the largest complex of buildings in America built and owned exclusively by women!
  • Famous Daughters include first ladies, astronauts, professional athletes, actresses, politicians — and more!
  • Members of Today’s DAR come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests. They are devoted to fostering good citizenship, honoring their ancestors, and educating our youth.

 

THE DR. ELISHA DICK CHAPTER, NSDAR

Founded: December 7, 1937 ~ Chartered: December 6, 1938

CHAPTER MOTTO/THEME: “Looking Forward”

Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter members at a party.
Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR Members at our 85th Anniversary Celebration — December 10, 2022.

On December 7, 1937, a group of local, patriotic, and service-minded women organized to form the Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, named for the former Alexandria mayor and physician to George Washington. Naomi Anne Simmons Klipstein was the organizing Regent. Our chapter works to support the continuing fulfillment of the Society’s important goals.

Over the years, hundreds of women have called themselves Dr. Elisha Dick Daughters. Today’s Daughters engage in activities all across the Commonwealth and we are proud to have contributed to the Society’s 10 MILLION service hours within the last three years!

Our chapter’s members welcome new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, assist veterans at Honor Flights, support local school children through scholarships, thank active military and first responders with care packages, clean-up local waterways, preserve American folk art heritage by participating in competitions, restore historic places and artifacts, celebrate and commemorate historically significant people, places, and events, including nearly forgotten African American, Native American, and female patriots.  These are but a few examples of our efforts, and there truly is something for everyone in DAR, no matter your area of interest.

As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States, there’s never been a more exciting time to explore membership in DAR! We’d love to welcome you into this sisterhood. If you are interested in learning more about our chapter, or if you would like to start the application process, visit our Membership page.

Annual Observances:

  • Presidents Day
  • Read Across America Day
  • Arbor Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Flag Day
  • Independence Day
  • Yorktown Day
  • Patriot Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Indigenous Peoples Day
  • V-E, V-J, D-Day and Pearl Harbor Day
  • Birthdays of the Armed Forces
  • Constitution Week
  • Black History Month
  • Women’s History Month

      …and many more!

We Support:

  • Preservation and Conservation
    • Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, Woodlawn, and Alexandria’s Tree Canopy Project
  • Teachers, Students, and Literacy
    • Alexandria City Public Schools, St. Louis School, the 5 DAR Schools and 2 Colleges, and Little Free Libraries
  • New Citizens, First Responders, Active-Duty Military, and Veterans
    • Naturalization Ceremonies, Boulder Crest Foundation, Final Salute, Fisher House Foundation, Operation Deploy Your Dress, Operation Gratitude, Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, Wreaths Across America, and Honor Flight Network
  • National and Local Charities
    • Carpenter’s Shelter and The Crayola Initiative

      …and many more!

2025-2026 CHAPTER AWARDS
Our members work tirelessly to promote our mission, and we have been recognized at the national and state levels for our collective efforts. 
Many members have also received personal awards for their individual efforts.  Huzzah, ladies!

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FROM NATIONAL DAR

[Awards TBD!]

+ + + + +

FROM VIRGINIA DAR

American Heritage Committee – “Promotion of American Heritage Contest in Nine Chapter Newsletters”
American History Committee – “Outstanding Chapter Programs and Field Trips”
American Indians Committee – “Outstanding American Indian Minutes”
Americanism Committee – “Number of Public Patriotic or Citizenship Programs (11) – Second Place”
Celebrate Daughters Committee – “Celebrate Virginia Daughters Pillar Award”
Commemorative Events Committee – “Outstanding Commemorative Event (Constitution Week)
Conservation Committee – “Outstanding Contributions to Conservation Activities”
Constitution Week Committee – “Outstanding Constitution Week Outreach”
DAR Good Citizens Committee – “Honorable Mention for Support of the DAR Good Citizens Program”
DAR School Committee – “Chapter Reward Program Participation or Item Donation to a DAR School”
DAR School Committee – “Financial Support of One or More DAR Schools”
DAR School Committee – “Promoted DAR School with School Minute, Chapter Program, Special Project or Event”
DAR School Committee – “Viewed DAR School Webinar”
DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations Committee – “Outstanding Joint Community Event – Constitution Week”
Flag of the USA Committee – “Outstanding Program on the Flag”
Historic Preservation Committee – “Outstanding Historic Preservation Project: Restoring Dr. Elisha Dick Boundary Stone Plaque”
Junior Membership Committee – “‘From Sparkles to Blossoms’ Outstanding Support of Junior Membership”
Junior Membership Committee – “‘Remember the Ladies’ Outstanding Support of the Junior 5k”
Library Outreach Committee – “Little Free Library Chapter Recognition”
Membership Committee – “Outstanding Chapter Report – Membership”
National Defense Committee – “Exceptional National Defense Programs and Service” 
State Treasurer – “Early Bird – 90% Dues Paid by 11/15/2025”
Volunteer Genealogists Committee – “Certificate of Appreciation – Genealogy Workshop Participation”
Volunteer Information Specialists Committee – “VIS be VISionary Campaign 3rd Place (tied)”
Volunteer Information Specialists Committee – “VIS Spark of Innovation: 1st Place – New Technology Initiative”

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