A Revolutionary Collaboration
Denise Doring VanBuren, President General

As we continue to prepare for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we are considering meaningful ways to collaborate with allied organizations that share our mission to remember the men and women who achieved American independence. While this is occurring at the chapter and state levels, it is also happening within the National Society through discussions with entities such as the National Park Service and the American Battlefield Trust.

Although initially founded in the 1980s to preserve Civil War-related properties, the Trust has since expanded its mission to include Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites; it also educates the public about what happened in these locations and why those events matter. The nation's leading heritage land preservation organization, the Trust has saved more than 53,000 acres of battlefield land in 24 states to date. Learn more about the Trust, its work and goals here.

As you may know, the U.S. Congress unanimously passed the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016, signed as Public Law 114-196 on July 22, 2016. We are immensely proud that Honorary President General Lynn Forney Young is a member of the Commission and serves as its Secretary. Visit the commission’s website to learn more about its work. In May 2018, the American Battlefield Trust was selected by the Department of the Interior to serve as administrative secretariat of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. It was instrumental in the creation of the America 250 Foundation and remains active in programming and serves on two America 250 advisory councils.

We are now discussing with Trust representatives their goal to work with the National Park Service to secure the protection of an additional 2,500 acres of Revolutionary War battlefield land by the end of the anniversary commemoration. The battlefields targeted are among the most famous in American history: Brandywine, Cowpens, Guildford Courthouse, Saratoga and Yorktown. Preservation of this hallowed ground is urgent as each is threatened by development.

We are hoping to be a key partner in the effort by lending our expertise in the stories of our Patriot ancestors to enrich the outcome. No organization has a better appreciation for the men and women who achieved American independence than does the DAR – after all, we know the Patriots, their service, their families and their stories.  

We hope to leverage our incomparable records and archives with the Trust’s expertise in crafting compelling 21st-century interpretation materials — to create a groundbreaking online gateway that will bring to life the fascinating people and places of the Revolutionary era. This digital experience will use cutting-edge technology — animated maps, virtual tours and augmented reality — to share the compelling stories of the Revolution with modern audiences, showcasing the diverse viewpoints and experiences of the men and women who fought for American liberty.

“Our two organizations, working individually, have accomplished much,” said Trust President David Duncan. “By joining forces during the America 250 celebration, we can create an enduring legacy that inspires long after the anniversary has ended. Together, we will develop new and meaningful ways to tell the compelling stories of the people who forged America.”

We look forward to leaving a lasting legacy from America’s 250th anniversary, and I encourage you to search for ways to do so within your own community. More than two dozen states have now established America 250 commissions – has yours?  Please find ways to see how you can be involved and engaged in this anniversary – the best platform in our lifetime to raise awareness of both the Patriots and our National Society.

Let us Rise and Shine for our ancestors and the nation they forged through courage and sacrifice 250 years ago!

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Through restoring historic properties, funding scholarships and supporting our troops, DAR makes a difference in local communities.