National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
Headquarters Overview
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is headquartered in a historic, three-building complex that occupies an entire city block in Washington, D.C., situated between the White House and the World War II Memorial. This complex is one of the world's largest groups of buildings owned and maintained exclusively by women.
The Headquarters Complex includes:
- Memorial Continental Hall (Built 1905): The oldest of the three buildings, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1935. It served as the site for the historic Conference on the Limitation of Armaments (1921–1922).
- Constitution Hall (Built 1929): A National Historic Landmark and Washington's largest concert hall, famous for hosting the DAR's annual Continental Congress. It is a renowned venue that has hosted every U.S. President since Calvin Coolidge.
- The Administration Building: Located between the two halls, this facility houses the executive offices, the DAR Museum Gallery, and the Americana Room.
Mission & Purpose
The DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism.
- Historic Preservation: Restoring and maintaining historical sites, preserving genealogical records, and locating Patriot graves.
- Education: Supporting schools for underserved children, providing scholarships, and sponsoring American history essay contests.
- Patriotism: Promoting good citizenship, supporting active-duty military and veterans, and encouraging respect for the U.S. Flag.
Public Resources at Headquarters
- DAR Library: One of the nation's premier genealogical research centers, open to the public for family history research.
- DAR Museum: Features 31 period rooms and a gallery collection of over 30,000 pre-industrial American decorative arts and artifacts.
Membership Eligibility
Membership is open to any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution. A "Patriot" includes those who served as sailors, soldiers, or civil officers, as well as those who provided material support to the cause of American independence.
