Today's DAR
As we step into 2026 and look ahead to the 250th birthday of our nation, we do so with deep pride and anticipation in all that DAR accomplished over the past year. 2025 was a remarkable year of service, celebration, and forward momentum for DAR, and we reflect with gratitude on the passion, dedication, and impact of our members across the nation and around the world. Through historic preservation, education, patriotism, and service, DAR continued to Illuminate our Legacy, strengthen our communities, and lay meaningful groundwork for the historic celebration ahead. As we honor the past and proudly shape the future together, we reflect on the milestones and achievements that defined 2025.
Here are just a few of the highlights from DAR in 2025:
- I am proud to share that in 2025 we achieved net-positive membership growth, welcoming 110 net new members, setting an all-time record for reinstatements, and reaching one of the strongest application-verification periods in 15 years—a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our members and staff.
- DAR proudly sponsored the PBS documentary The American Revolution, a six-part Ken Burns series that premiered nationwide on Nov. 16–21, with DAR video spots airing in select PBS markets
- The excitement surrounding the documentary is still going strong! DAR members are invited to use this toolkit to take advantage of heightened interest in the American Revolution and help promote the mission and work of our organization.
- Across the country, DAR chapters hosted the American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit, bringing interactive history to communities and connecting the public with the stories that shaped our nation. In response to the overwhelming demand, this exhibit is extended through 2027 and two additional copies are being put into circulation.
- DAR members gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 134th Continental Congress, celebrating national award winners whose work strengthens historic preservation, education, and patriotic engagement.
- The DAR Museum presented a powerful new exhibition, “Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence,” highlighting the contributions of African American artisans in early American history. Be sure to visit the exciting companion website available here: fightingforfreedom.dar.org.
- DAR continued America 250! programming, including a History Symposium on “Spain and the Birth of American Democracy” held at DAR Constitution Hall, emphasizing global Revolutionary era connections.
- The DAR support of the Military Women’s Memorial and its mission to honor and tell the stories of women who serve our nation has recently reached a cumulative total of $1 million in contributions.
- DAR expanded its America 250! Scholarship to provide a one-time $25,000 award to ten students this year to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of independence.
- DAR donated a cumulative $1,000,000 to support the The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation.
- The Daughters Online Community (DOC) marked its second anniversary as a thriving hub for member engagement—connecting thousands of Daughters who actively share, learn, and collaborate online—while also expanding access with the launch of the new DOC mobile app, now available to download.
- DAR was honored to help celebrate the Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society reopening.
- We invite all members to explore the newly created DAR Marker and Grave location index launched in February.
- On October 11, 2025, DAR celebrated the 10th Anniversary of National DAR Day of Service.
- The NSDAR Archives is proud to announce DAR Reports to the Smithsonian Institution are now available online!
Looking Ahead to America’s 250th
- As we draw closer to America’s 250th birthday, don’t forget to take advantage of these tools and initiatives from the America 250! Committee. These resources are designed to help you promote your events and share your stories—spotlighting the many meaningful ways DAR is commemorating this historic anniversary.
- DAR reaffirmed its commitment to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations with major gifts and legacy initiatives:
- A transformative $2 million gift to support the iconic cherry blossoms and ensure their beauty for future generations.
- Learn more about DARs upcoming celebratory events, including a full weekend of events in April with the DAR Celebrates America 250! A Salute to Women Veterans concert featuring a special performance by Patti LaBelle and honoring military women past and present.
We are grateful for all we have accomplished together in 2025—through service projects, historic preservation efforts, educational outreach, and community engagement. As we look toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, may we continue building meaningful experiences that honor our shared history, strengthen our communities, and inspire future generations.
Happy New Year, DAR! Onward to 2026!
