Coming in September: History Symposium in Constitution Hall Exploring Spanish Contributions to the American Revolution

With celebrations for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding approaching, we are excited to announce another DAR event to commemorate this important milestone! Later this fall, in conjunction with the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute (QSSI) and the Fundación Ramon Areces (FAA), our National Society will host a free two-day symposium in DAR Constitution Hall, September 19-20, 2025! 

Spain and the Birth of American Democracy: A History Symposium will explore the role Spain played in the American Revolution. Scholars and other experts will provide details about Spanish Patriots and their contributions to American independence. Less widely known facts about the Revolutionary War and Spain’s involvement will be showcased, including Spain’s secret aid to the colonies and the role of the Spanish Navy alongside the French against the British.

The symposium will be free and open to the public. We encourage DAR members near and far to consider joining us for the two-day event and please share information about the symposium to others who may be interested. Pre-registration is required for the symposium – click here for more information and to register. 

This will be the second such symposium presented by QSSI as a part of their America&Spain250 initiative. Their first symposium was held in Madrid last May and was a several day celebration of the relationship between the United States, Spain, and Spanish speaking America. The image to the left entitled Casa de la Legación de España en Filadelfia (ca. 1800, watercolor, private collection, Madrid) has been used in conjunction with both symposiums, and depicts the first Spanish diplomatic mission in the United States, highlighting the relationship that has existed between our two countries for centuries.

DAR has long sought to focus more attention on the Spanish contributions in our country’s fight for Independence through expanding genealogical resources and honoring Spanish Patriots with historical markers here in the United States as well as in Spain. Our two countries have a long history and as we enhance research related to Spanish Patriots in our own DAR resources, this symposium will help continue to expand knowledge about Spain’s role in the founding of our country to DAR members and the public alike.

The full schedule for the symposium and other updates about the event will be announced later this summer, but if you are interested in attending, please register HERE. Mark your calendars to join us in Washington, D.C., September 19-20, 2025 and please share information about the symposium with your networks for all those who are interested in attending!

Let’s Celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever with a special America250 event that commemorates the founding of our nation and ties in the three pillars of our Society: Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism!