Today's DAR
Our recent DAR Celebrates America 250! Weekend marked a once-in-a-lifetime moment in the history of our beloved Daughters of the American Revolution, the opportunity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. We had the distinct honor of welcoming members and visitors from across the country to DAR Headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2026. The halls were filled with excitement, laughter, and fellowship as members, the public, families, and friends came together to joyfully celebrate this significant historic milestone. Together, we honored the founding of our nation and the legacy of our Revolutionary War Patriots, while celebrating our commitment to preserving their stories for generations to come. It was a powerful reminder that the mission of our Society remains as important today as it was when it was founded.
Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Future – The DAR Celebrates America 250! Weekend
Kicking off the weekend’s celebration on the evening of Friday, April 17, was the DAR member welcome event, Illuminate 250!, held in the historic DAR Constitution Hall lobby. It was a joy to greet more than 500 members who came into town from across the nation, eager to celebrate America 250! in such a meaningful and memorable way. The event provided more than just a warm welcome—it created meaningful opportunities for both our new and seasoned members to connect, share experiences, and learn how they can become more actively involved in DAR programs and initiatives.
View a photo gallery of the Illuminate 250 Welcome Reception
On Saturday morning, April 18, DAR Headquarters opened its doors for a free public open house, America’s 250th Birthday Party—a joyful celebration for all ages! Close to 1,000 attendees filled our beloved Memorial Continental Hall, which was alive with laughter, learning, and celebration. Families explored the DAR Museum’s new exhibits, took in the beauty of the DAR Library, and enjoyed activities that connected visitors of all ages to our nation’s founding story. Guests delighted in special moments—from visiting with Martha Washington to signing a birthday card for America, adding their own personal message to this historic milestone. Children enjoyed face painting, crafts, and treats, creating memories that blended fun with connection to history. From cupcakes to conversations, the event beautifully reflected the mission of the DAR to honor the legacy of the individuals who secured our nation’s independence during the Revolutionary War.
View a photo gallery of the America 250! Birthday Party Open House
Saturday evening’s concert, DAR Celebrates America 250! A Salute to Women Veterans, featuring Patti LaBelle, was a fitting and unforgettable culmination of the weekend celebration. The program shined a well-deserved spotlight on the vital work of the Women’s Military Memorial, honoring the commitment, contributions, and lived experiences of all servicewomen. It was a pleasure to present the Memorial with a $250,000 donation in celebration of 250 years of women serving our nation. It was especially moving to recognize so many veterans, active-duty service members, and their families who joined us—an inspiring and powerful tribute shared by all in attendance.
We were also so pleased to have in attendance representatives of organizations that are the recipients of this year’s Vivian’s Outreach for Women Grants (VOW). We were proud to award a total of more than $400,000 among these organizations dedicated to supporting homeless and indigent women who have served our country. These funds will directly sustain and expand critical programs that provide care, resources, and opportunities to women veterans—ensuring their continued success and well-being.
We were also deeply honored to host Patti LaBelle, whose extraordinary performance brought both celebration and heartfelt reflection to the stage. It was a true privilege to meet her in person and to present her with our DAR America 250 Legacy Medal for her contributions to American music and culture.
View a photo gallery from the DAR Celebrates America 250! Concert featuring Patti LaBelle
As I reflect on this historic milestone, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible—our members, staff, volunteers, collaborators, and guests. Your dedication and enthusiasm ensured that this celebration of America’s 250th anniversary was both meaningful and memorable. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead with great optimism for the future. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary event.
