February is Black History Month and DAR is proud to observe this celebration of the contributions and sacrifices of Black Americans who have helped shape American history.
Learn more about the different efforts DAR has made and is making to honor and celebrate Patriots of Color; to promote membership to women of color and assist with genealogical research related to minority participants in the fight for Independence; and DAR’s expanding diversity amongst its membership.
The E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative was established to increase awareness of often underrepresented Revolutionary War Patriots, including those who were African American, Native American and female. Given DAR’s purpose to perpetuate the legacy of all the men and women who achieved independence, DAR has a decided role to play in researching and promoting how diversified participants assisted in the creation of our nation. DAR is committed to better telling the stories of these Patriots, who have all too often been left out of the pages of history.
Explore the E Pluribus Unum website, which includes:
Forgotten Patriots, an effort which began in the 1980s, identified African Americans, Native Americans and individuals of mixed heritage who supported the struggle for independence during the American Revolution. The research was combined and published in 2001 and then expanded with an additional publication in 2006. This research guide is now available online free of charge.
African American Genealogical Research at the DAR Library. In the DAR Library, library patrons will find research manuals and guidebooks, histories on slavery and abolition, the “Great Migration” of the early twentieth century, general reference materials, and scholarly and popular journals, including the Journal of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Additionally, a Pathfinder has been created to assist with research.
The Specialty Research Committee works to recognize the significant, but less frequently recognized, contributions to the cause of American freedom, by men and women residing within North America and in other countries during the time of the Revolutionary War. The African American Research team is available to assist and support chapters when called upon for assistance with applications or supplementals, to locate documentation and educate the public and our membership.
DAR chapters and states have placed markers and marked graves of Patriots of Colors. Learn more about some of them through these blog posts and learn more about placing markers on the Historian General’s webpage.
Learn about the members of our increasingly diverse growing membership and the amazing things they are doing.
How is your chapter commemorating Black History Month? I hope these resources will help you share how DAR is honoring Patriots of Color, increasing African American genealogical resources and attracting more women to join our Society!
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