250 years later, DAR helps trace family roots to the Revolution

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Two hundred and fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a women’s volunteer service organization based in the nation’s capital is helping people around the world discover whether their family played a role in founding the United States.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is dedicated to preservation, education, and patriotism. Its Washington headquarters houses a historic library filled with thousands of family histories, genealogy resources, and stories from American history — all sharing a connection to the American Revolution.

To join DAR, a person must prove a direct connection to an ancestor who assisted in the Revolutionary era, or “patriots”. While many may think of tricorn hats and muskets, that ancestor does not necessarily have to have been a soldier.

“One of my patriots is Mary Polly Hawkins Craig, who was a woman of the American Revolution and a defender of the fort at Bryan Station,” said Lenna Hoffman, a DAR member.

Hoffman is among hundreds of thousands of women across the globe who have traced their family trees back to the founding period.

“It’s a very special connection to have, especially to a strong woman who took charge, took leadership, and really gathered around to save the community,” Hoffman said.

DAR’s library holds records, family histories, and digital archives available to both members and the public. Audra Sombke, DAR’s director of genealogy, said the reasons people pursue membership vary.

“For some members, it’s very much about tracing their lineage, honoring their ancestors. Others join for other reasons. But I think for a lot of them, it’s learning who they are,” Sombke said.

Member Yvonne Liser initially sought out DAR after developing an interest in genealogy. She said the organization’s work is extensive and extends far beyond social gatherings.

“It’s not just us sitting in lunches, we actually do work. And the work is, for me, very relevant, especially here in my community and in our country,” Liser said.

Member Rainey Sewell said the 250th anniversary of American independence has given the organization’s mission added significance this year.

“It means more this year than it ever has. And I think a lot of people are excited to be celebrating America and I think they’re really wanting to give back to the people that have been serving this country and also learn more about their past,” Sewell said.

Those interested in joining DAR or beginning a genealogy search can find more information at the organization’s website, dar.org.