About Us

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

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Nearly 250 years ago, American Patriots fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. With that 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 about 3,000 chapters and more than 175,000 current members worldwide.  Virginia DAR has nearly 10,000 members and over 120 chapters.     

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”

2022-2025 NATIONAL THEME: “Celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever – Rejoice in Our DAR Ties of Service and Friendship!”

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 13 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”

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 approach 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.