The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Quiz

Answer: Your grandparent that contributed to American Independence

Any direct ancestor (parent, to grandparent, to great grandparent, etc.) that can be proven to have contributed to American Independence qualifies. An uncle does not qualify as you do not descend from him. Qualifying ancestors can be any rank in the Continental forces.

They can also merely have supplied Continental forces with supplies (grain, blankets, etc). Lastly, individuals in government employment that were part of and supported the new nation qualify.

Answer: vital records

The primary records necessary to prove for your first three generations must include vital records such as birth, death, and marriage documentation. Beyond those generations, official records such as wills, censuses, property records, tax records and even authenticated family Bibles can be used. Secondary support such as photos of headstones and obituaries can sometimes be used in addition to official vital records.

DNA proof is not currently accepted by the DAR.

Answer: centennial of George Washington's inauguration

In recognition of President George Washington's inauguration, the DAR was created in the summer of 1890 as a means of service and patriotism for women. The original group of ladies founding DAR included both Eugenia Washington (grandniece of George Washington) and Caroline Harrison, wife of then President Benjamin Harrison.

The participation of First Ladies has continued with Julia Grant, Mamie Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Laura Bush all holding membership in the DAR.

Answer: Sons of the American Revolution

A separate but similar lineage organization, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) was founded in 1889. Despite some support among the SAR's membership, the group refused the ladies' inquiries into joining the organization. As a result, the founders of DAR took their own steps toward organization.

Answer: God, Home and Country

Embracing the traditional values of the 19th century (and holding to them even today), the DAR initially chose "Home and Country" as the motto. The motto was later revised to the current "God, Home and Country."

Answer: 18

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age in order to become a member of DAR. Women/girls younger than 18 are eligible to be a part of a separate but related organization, the Children of the American Revolution (CAR). Both boys and girls are encouraged to participate in CAR once their lineage is proven, moving into SAR or DAR once they reach adulthood.

Answer: False

DAR welcomes adoptees if they are able to prove their lineage through their birth parents' ancestors. However, there are often hurdles to overcome getting birth records unsealed and locating the appropriate records to prove lineage. Once birth parents are identified, the chapter registrars of the DAR on the local and national level will help prospective members locate their patriots and work toward collecting the necessary records.

Answer: The West Wing

The West Wing used the interiors and facades of Constitution Hall in nine separate episodes, filming there more than any other location in Washington, DC.

DAR headquarters, known as Constitution Hall, is a Neoclassical building designed by the architect, John Russell Pope. The building is located in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, DC. The founders had the foresight to recognize the potential significance of the location which came to fruition as many of the national monuments and museums, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian are located nearby.

Answer: False

Any female, capable of tracing her American Revolution lineage with recorded proof, can become a member of DAR, regardless of citizenship. There are chapters of DAR spread all over the world including women of all races, citizenships and religions.

Answer: sport

Members of DAR focus on educating children about history and patriotism, supporting genealogists with research, organizing efforts to provide care packages for active duty military, and preserving historic buildings, records, and collections.

Constitution Hall houses one of the largest genealogical libraries in the United States, including a quarter million books about individual family lineage, war service, and American history. Many of the books are digitized and viewable online to the membership. The library also acts as the caretaker of many old Bibles, donated for preservation and family tree research. The physical library is open to the public for a small fee. DAR does provide the digitized Revolutionary War ancestor records online, free to search, for public use. It was utilizing these records that I first learned about DAR as I sought further information on my own patriots.