Learn More About the DAR Founders Medals

In 1897, the Sixth Continental Congress singled out four women for their work on the creation and establishment of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  A resolution was adopted declaring Eugenia Washington, Mary Desha, Ellen Hardin Walworth and Mary Smith Lockwood as Founders of the DAR. A committee was appointed at the same time to design and create four medals intended to commemorate the work of these Founding Daughters. These first Founders Medals were presented as gifts to the women to enjoy during their lifetimes. Over time, the medals found their way back to DAR Headquarters, and they are now on display in the President General’s Assembly Room. 

In honor of these women, the National Board of Management established the National Society’s Founders Medals in 1995 in order to recognize other outstanding American citizens who give unselfishly of themselves to their community, state or nation. 

• The Eugenia Washington Medal for Heroism honors an individual (21 years or older) who has displayed the outstanding qualities of courage and valor, recognizing outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger. This medal is intended primarily for acts by civilians not in uniform, but does not exclude police, fire fighters or any uniformed professionals.
• The Mary Desha Medal for Youth honors a youth (21 years or younger) for outstanding service to community, state or nation through participation and/or leadership in such activities as conservation, organized sports (beyond school sponsored activities), scouting, church or community, state or national organizations. Academic achievement is not a consideration for this award.
• The Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism honors an adult (21 years or older) who has displayed outstanding patriotism in the promotion of our American ideals of “God, Home, and Country” through faithful and meritorious service to community, state or nation.  For example, participation in church, scouting, conservation, heredity, historical and genealogical pursuits or organized sports activities.  In addition, one who has performed outstanding service as a member of the military, religious or business community may be considered. 
• The Mary Smith Lockwood Medal for Education honors an individual who has shown outstanding achievement through service and leadership in promoting education outside the formal education process, such as improving literacy for adults or children, or teaching English to foreign-born individuals. 

Chapters submitting recommendations for these distinguished awards must demonstrate how their nominees have made positive impacts through extraordinary service achievements through a formal application process. The Office of the Reporter General accepts all Founders Medal nomination packets for review, and the Vice Presidents General judge them each February, June and October. Look for the Founders Medal Nomination Form and Checklist (RPG-FM-1000) on the Member’s website. Please note that recent guideline changes limit recommendation packets to a total of ten pages, including three letters of recommendation and the Nomination Form. No photographs of any kind may be included with a nomination. 

Now is an excellent time to identify, recognize and honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional volunteer service to community and country. We look forward to receiving your applications. 

P.S. Please read A Century of Service, The Story of DAR, by Ann Arnold Hunter for more information on the history of the Medals and the Founders of DAR.