Today's DAR
DAR members, friends, and families from coast-to-coast attended the fifth annual DAR Genealogy Research Institute held at our House Beautiful in Washington, DC May 3-6, 2026. The 2026 Institute featured Master Class lecturers Michael N. Henderson and Diana Elder. Mr. Henderson, a historian, genealogist, and author of GOT PROOF! My Genealogical Journey Through the Use of Documentation brought both scholarship and storytelling to the GRI. Diana Elder is a professional genealogist accredited in the Gulf South region and serves on the advisory board of The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. She is the author of Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and co-author of Research Like a Prowith DNA. Both Master Class lecturers are sought-after speakers and have presented at national genealogical conferences and institutes as well as genealogical societies throughout the United States.
Celebrating Five Years of the DAR Genealogy Research Institute
Registrar General, Marcy Carter-Lovick gave updates on applications and supplementals along with information about upcoming new and improved rollouts. A variety of topics were covered in concurrent sessions presented by Sarah O’Connor, National Chair Lineage Research; Kari Weis, NVC-Communications, DAR Genealogy Commission; Anthony Startz, National Chair, Chapter Development Commission; Karen Janczy, Lineage Research Analysis Specialist; and Jolene Mullen, Research Specialist-French-Canadian Research. DAR staff genealogists shared their expertise with attendees also. Audra Sombke, DAR Director of Genealogy, Rebecca Kreiger, Staff Genealogist, Juanita Walker, Assistant Director Data Entry, Janelle Auten, Assistant Director Applications also shared informative and interesting sessions. Mark Olsen is a Family Tree Maker Ambassador to historical and genealogical societies around the world. Mark presented a session supporting and teaching members as they use Family Tree Maker. One of the most popular sessions year after year is the behind the scenes Our House Beautiful Tour led by Larry Walker, Director of Security. The 2026 GRI was no exception!
Attendees also enjoyed the Sunday evening Welcome Reception held this year in the O’Byrne Gallery. An optional excursion trip on two pink Tea Around Town custom coaches provided tasty treats, delicious tea, and entertainment on Monday evening for attendees.
Attendees took advantage of extra research time with extended hours in the DAR Library and Seimes Technology Center on Tuesday evening. Library Director Dr. Stephanie Tuszynski was especially helpful preparing attendees for research in the library with her presentation in a pre-event Zoom session. The DAR Library Staff is always gracious in aiding GRI attendees.
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the GRI, an official DAR GRI insignia was introduced and was available to purchase onsite at the DAR Insignia Pop Up Shop. Attendees were delighted with the pin and kept the Insignia Pop Up Shop busy! One-time attendance of a GRI qualifies members to purchase the pin. Members having attended five GRIs qualify for a 5-star bar that attaches to the pin. Approval to verify attendance is required for purchase of the pins and the additional bar.
It takes a team to plan and implement the annual DAR Genealogy Research Institute. In addition to the DAR Library and Registrar General’s staff, Security, Purchasing, DAR Museum, DAR Store, DAR Insignia Store, Constitution Hall Audio Visual Technology, Operations, Accounting, and Facilities Departments, Emily Whittaker and Rachel Mauney in PR, as well as Liz Partridge (who administers the Eventbrite ticket platform) all helped ensure a successful event. Additionally, Property Beautification & Hospitality (Holly Taylor, National Chair) Janet Ammerman, NVC-GRI Event, and the PB&H volunteers were invaluable.
Special thanks to Executive Liaison Marguerite Fritsch for her guidance and support. GRI Committee National Vice Chairs Lynn Tanguay, Kathy Crusco, Beth Hicks, and Dawn Lemongello played pivotal roles in the preparation and implementation of the 2026 GRI. The event could not be done without the support, encouragement, and approval of President General, Ginnie Sebastian Storage and the NSDAR Executive Committee. Thank you to all who attended, and to all who made this event possible.
Planning for GRI 2027 is already underway! Mark your calendars now and plan to join us May 2-5, 2027.
Photos by: Melissa Wikerson
