Tales From the Archives: A Look Back at DAR's First Year

Happy birthday, DAR! The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded 131 years ago today here in Washington, D.C. The DAR has accomplished much in all that time, but have you ever wondered about the Society’s first year and how it became so successful so fast?

Many of the organizing members were from distinguished, well-connected families and were able to persuade prominent women to apply for membership. They also made a shrewd choice when they asked the First Lady of the United States, Caroline Scott Harrison, to serve as the first President General. This focused national attention on the fledgling society and likely inspired several prominent, professional women with national reach and influence to join DAR.

Additionally, several further important decisions were made during the Society’s early days that indicated the desire for permanence. The DAR’s colors, a design for the Insignia, and the seal and motto were all chosen during the final organizing meeting on October 18, 1890. That these decisions were made well and quickly is important. The use of symbols both provide deep meaning to a group’s members and allow outsiders to recognize the organization. DAR Founder Mary Lockwood’s recommendation that the Society acquire “rooms and later a fire-proof building in which to deposit Revolutionary relics and historical papers” strongly suggests she intended DAR to continue indefinitely.  

Receptions and parties were given during the winter of 1890—1891 featuring speeches and patriotic music to generate publicity and stir interest in honoring our Revolutionary War ancestors by joining DAR. Efforts apparently were successful as the first three DAR Chapters were founded in the spring of 1891: Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City.

Although only 18 women attended the organizing meeting on October 11, 1890, a total of 816 women joined the Society during its first year. These women are the Society’s charter members and there were very accomplished people among them. Let’s look at just a few biographies.

Sara Rice Pryor, National Number 2, New York City Chapter, was a writer and community activist. She was one of the founders of a home for women and children in Brooklyn, New York, and worked on fundraising in support of children’s causes. In addition to DAR, Mrs. Pryor helped found the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.

Clara Barton, National Number 160, member-at-large, Washington, D.C., is best remembered for founding the American Red Cross in 1881; however, at the beginning of the Civil War, Miss Barton worked to obtain medical supplies to distribute to wounded soldiers. In July 1862, she was granted permission to travel behind army lines to care for the wounded.