Honor your past. Serve your present. Shape the future.
Your family tree might hold a story you haven’t heard yet. Thousands of women have discovered a Revolutionary War hero in their family — and you might too.
Not sure if you qualify? Most people are surprised. Contact us and we’ll help you find out — no commitment, no cost. Our experienced members love helping women trace their connection to our nation’s founding.
Who Can Join
Membership in the DAR is open to women 18 and older who can trace their ancestry to a patriot who supported the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War.
A “patriot” includes more than soldiers. Your ancestor may have contributed through:
- Military service — Continental Army, militia, naval service, frontier defense
- Civil service — legislators, public officials, signers of oaths of allegiance
- Material support — furnishing supplies, provisions, or arms to the Continental forces
- Patriotic service — signers of petitions and resolutions (like our own Fincastle Resolutions), and other documents supporting independence
Many women also qualify as patriots through documented contributions to the war effort.
You don’t need to have your genealogy completed — we’ll help guide you through the process.
Why Join
- Connect with women who share your values
- Make a difference in your local community
- Preserve your family’s legacy for future generations
- Access resources, scholarships, and national programs
How to Get Started
1. Gather what you have — Family Bibles, letters, documents, old photos, family stories. Even a family name and a general location can be a starting point.
2. Search the records — The DAR Genealogical Research System at dar.org has millions of records. Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, the Library of Virginia, and local courthouses are also valuable tools.
3. Contact us — We walk prospective members through every step of the application. Our Registrar is here to help.
What to Expect
Come to a meeting as our guest. No obligation, no pressure — just a warm welcome, a short program on a topic in American history, and good conversation with women who share your interest in our heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. DAR membership is based on lineage, not location. However, most of our members live in the Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee area and Southwest Virginia region.
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The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your lineage documentation. Our chapter volunteers will help guide you through each step.
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DAR membership involves national and state dues plus a one-time application fee. Contact us for current amounts.
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Absolutely. Many members start with no knowledge of a specific ancestor. Our experienced genealogists can help you explore your family history and identify potential patriots.
We’d love to help you discover your patriot.