Are You Qualified to Be a Daughter of the American Revolution? Eligibility Criteria Explained

For many, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) conjures images of historical elegance and a deep connection to America’s founding. But beyond the popular perception, the DAR is a vibrant, active service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

If you’ve ever wondered if your family tree holds the key to becoming a “Daughter,” this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential eligibility criteria for joining the Daughters of the American Revolution.

What is the Daughters of the American Revolution?

Founded in 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a lineage-based organization for women who can trace their direct lineal descent to a patriot of the American Revolutionary War. It’s not just about ancestry; it’s about honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for American independence and perpetuating their legacy through community service and educational initiatives. From supporting schools and veterans to preserving historical sites, DAR members actively contribute to their communities and uphold the values that shaped the nation.

The Core Eligibility Criteria: Proving Your Patriot Ancestor

The fundamental requirement for joining the DAR is lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. This is where your journey about discover your family history research truly begins.

1. Age and Gender:

• You must be a woman aged 18 years or older.

2. Lineal Descent:

• This means you must be a direct descendant (daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and so on) of a Revolutionary War patriot. This is not about collateral lines (e.g., your aunt’s ancestor, unless that ancestor is also your direct ancestor). This is a crucial point for anyone looking to find family history through genealogy.

3. The Patriot’s Service:

• Your ancestor must have rendered acceptable service to the cause of American Independence during the period of April 19, 1775, and November 26, 1783. This service goes beyond just military involvement. Acceptable forms of patriotic service include:
  • Military Service:Soldiers, sailors, militiamen, privateers, and even French or Spanish soldiers/sailors who fought in the American theater.
  • Civil Service:Individuals who held civil offices in provisional or state governments, attended Continental Congresses or state conventions/assemblies.
  • Patriotic Service:This category is broad and includes:
    • Signers of oaths of allegiance or fidelity and support.
    • Participants in events like the Boston Tea Party or Edenton Tea Party.
    • Prisoners of war, refugees, and defenders of forts and frontiers.
    • Doctors and nurses who aided Revolutionary casualties.
    • Ministers, petitioners, and others who provided material or patriotic support (e.g., providing supplies to troops, sheltering patriots).

It’s important to note that “family tradition” alone is not sufficient proof. You will need documented evidence for every link in your ancestral chain and for your patriot’s service. This is where online family history DNA analysis and genetic genealogy services can sometimes provide clues, but ultimately, traditional genealogical records are paramount for DAR applications.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Joining the DAR is a meticulous process that requires thorough genealogical research and documentation. Here’s a general overview:

Step 1: Discover Your Family History through Genealogy

• Start with Yourself:Begin by gathering your own vital records (birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable).
• Work Backwards:Systematically collect birth, marriage, and death records for your parents, grandparents, and so on, working backward generation by generation. This can involve extensive family history research services or personal deep dives into archives.
• Identify Potential Patriots:As you discover your family history, look for ancestors who lived during the Revolutionary War period (1775-1783) in the American colonies.

Step 2: Documenting Lineage and Service

• Proof for Every Link:For each generation, you must provide verifiable documentation (e.g., birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, census records, wills, Bible records, court documents) to prove the lineal relationship between each parent and child. For the first three generations (you, your parents, your grandparents), the DAR typically requires official vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates). Beyond that, a wider variety of reliable sources can be used.
• Proof of Patriot Service:Once you identify a potential patriot, you need documented evidence of their specific service. The DAR has extensive databases, including its Genealogical Research System (GRS), which lists previously approved patriots and their documented service. This can be an invaluable resource. If your ancestor is not in their database, you’ll need to locate primary source documents (e.g., military records, pension applications, census records showing residence during the war, and town records of civic service).

Step 3: Connect with a Local Chapter

• Finding a Chapter:The DAR has nearly 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally. You can use the chapter locator on the official DAR website to find one near you.
• Chapter Registrar Assistance:Once you connect with a chapter, the Chapter Registrar or Lineage Research Chair will be your guide. They are experienced genealogists who can provide invaluable assistance in understanding the application process, reviewing your documentation, and suggesting further research avenues. This personalized support is a significant benefit of joining.

Step 4: Completing and Submitting Your Application

• Application Form:The DAR provides a detailed application form that requires precise information and citations for all your documentation.
• Review and Endorsement:Your application will be carefully reviewed by the chapter registrar, and it will need to be endorsed by two current DAR members in good standing.
• Submission to National Headquarters:Once approved at the chapter level, your application, along with all supporting documentation and fees, is sent to the Registrar General at the NSDAR headquarters in Washington, D.C., for final verification. DAR staff genealogists meticulously review every application.

Membership Benefits: More Than Just Ancestry

Beyond the honor of connecting with your patriotic heritage, joining the DAR offers numerous benefits:

• Community and Camaraderie:You become part of a network of nearly 190,000 women who share a common bond and a passion for history, education, and patriotism. Chapters offer social events, educational programs, and opportunities to form lifelong friendships.
• Service Opportunities:DAR members are actively involved in meaningful service projects in their local communities, ranging from supporting veterans and active military personnel to promoting literacy, preserving historic sites, and educating future generations.
• Access to Genealogical Resources:The DAR maintains one of the largest genealogical libraries in the world and offers powerful online databases through its Genealogical Research System (GRS). These resources can significantly aid in your ongoing family history research and allow you to discover your family history even further.
• Leadership Development:Opportunities for leadership roles within chapters, state societies, and the National Society provide valuable experience.
• Preserving Your Legacy:Your approved application and supporting documentation are permanently housed at the DAR Headquarters, preserving your family’s lineage and your patriot ancestor’s service for future generations. This is an excellent way to ensure your family history research contributes to a lasting historical record.

The Journey to Becoming a Daughter

The path to becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution is a rewarding journey of discovery, connecting you not only to your personal ancestry but also to an essential piece of American history. It requires dedication to family history research and a commitment to meticulous documentation. While tools like online family history DNA analysis and genetic genealogy services can be helpful in identifying potential connections, the DAR primarily relies on documented lineal descent through traditional records.

If you are looking to go on this fascinating genealogical adventure and need professional assistance in proving your lineage and meeting the DAR’s rigorous requirements, reach out to DavisDNA and Family Research. Our expertise in find birth parents through DNA can help you through the complex application process and uncover the stories of your Revolutionary War ancestors.