Joining the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a rewarding way to honor your heritage, connect with a vibrant community of women, and actively participate in meaningful service projects focused on historic preservation, education, and patriotism. If you believe you descend from someone who aided the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War, the Eau Claire Chapter NSDAR welcomes your interest and is here to help you explore membership.
The journey begins with understanding the core requirements and then taking steps to discover and document your connection to a Revolutionary War Patriot. Here is a guide to starting the process:
We are the keepers of the flame of freedom. Join us in honoring our past and illuminating the future.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Membership in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is open to women aged 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution.
- What is a Patriot? A Patriot is defined by the NSDAR as someone who provided service or direct assistance to the cause of American independence. This can include:
- Military service in the Continental Army, Navy, or state militias.
- Civil service, such as holding public office or serving on committees supporting the Revolution.
- Patriotic service, such as signing oaths of allegiance, paying supply taxes, providing supplies, rendering aid to soldiers, serving as a spy, or other acts demonstrating loyalty to the cause.
2. Begin Your Genealogical Research
The cornerstone of your DAR application is proving your direct bloodline connection to your Patriot ancestor.
- Start with What You Know: Gather information about your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Collect names, dates (birth, marriage, death), and locations (town, county, state) for each generation.
- Talk to Family: Relatives often hold valuable information, documents (like birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, family Bibles), photos, and stories that can provide crucial clues. Ask if anyone else in your family is or was a DAR member, as their established lineage can significantly simplify your process.
- Utilize Resources: The Eau Claire Chapter website’s Membership page offers initial guidance. The National DAR website has resources, including a Genealogical Research System (GRS) where you can search for existing Patriot records and documented lineages. Public libraries, historical societies, and online genealogy databases can also be helpful.
3. Connect with the Eau Claire Chapter NSDAR
You do not have to navigate this process alone! Reaching out to our chapter is the most important next step.
- Contact Our Registrar: The Chapter Registrar is a knowledgeable volunteer dedicated to guiding prospective members through the application process. She can answer your questions, help you focus your research, review potential documentation, and explain the specific requirements for the DAR application.
- Use the Prospective Member Information Request form on our website. This is the best way to initiate contact and let our membership team know you are interested.
- Attend a Meeting (Optional but Encouraged): Check our Events page for meeting dates. Visiting a chapter meeting (contact us first to arrange) is a wonderful way to meet members, learn about our activities, and ask questions in a welcoming environment.
4. Document Your Lineage
Once you have identified a potential Patriot ancestor, you will need to gather acceptable documentation connecting each generation from yourself back to the Patriot.
- Primary Sources: Documents created at the time of the event are preferred (e.g., birth certificates, marriage records, death certificates, census records, wills, deeds).
- Verification: The Chapter Registrar will assist you in determining which documents meet NSDAR standards for proof.
5. Complete and Submit Your Application
Working closely with the Chapter Registrar, you will complete the official DAR application form, compiling your lineage and supporting documentation. The Registrar will review it for accuracy and completeness before it is submitted to the National Society for final verification and approval.
Embark on a Rewarding Path
Becoming a Daughter connects you to a legacy of service and provides opportunities for fellowship, personal growth, and making a tangible difference in our Eau Claire community. We encourage you to take the first step today! Visit our Membership page and contact us to begin your journey. We look forward to hearing from you!