DAR

[shanti]

After coming upon several of my ancestors who were Rev War patriots, I got to thinking about this organization, DAR. I know nothing about it other than what I've read on their website. Is this just a glorified sorority or what? Anyone know the deets?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I think it used to be an organization that enhanced one's social standing.

Many years ago (the '30s) my grandmother spent a lot of time hunting down proof of an ancestor who'd fought in the revolution so she could join the DAR. It was pretty Republican, too. I have no idea what they're like or what they do now.

[shanti]

4. I initially thought that too

that is was a Republican org, but their website says they don't discuss politics (yeah, right).

[Lindsay]

2. Back in the late 60s/early 70s

my grandfather told me and my sister that we were eligible for the DAR. At that time they were a very right-wing ultra-patriotic-by-their-own-definition group. No way I would have had anything to do with them, and I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted anything to do with me.

Whether they've changed since then, I dunno.

[shanti]

5. If they are wingers

I have no desire to join up. It seems to be more of a service organization, but pretty sure that the first time someone mentioned Trump in dulcet tones, I would have to out myself!

[rsdsharp]

3. Admittedly this was 80 years ago,

but in 1939 the DAR refused to allow Marian Anderson to sing at Constitution Hall because of her race. Eleanor Roosevelt stepped in and Ms. Anderson gave he concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

[shanti]

6. You'd think they have changed by now

There are AA women involved in it now, from the pics I've seen.

[dflprincess]

8. And Eleanor also resigned from the DAR in protest of its treatment of Marion Anderson.

My dad's sister (and some of his cousins) belonged to it. I've always said I wouldn't join an organization Eleanor Roosevelt had come to find objectionable.

[The Genealogist]

7. I honestly dont know a lot about it.

As others have said above, I think it was traditionally a stage thing, something well to do women could rub in others faces by joining. I have a cousin, I think she is my second cousin omce removedor so, joined it. She is a very nice person, and it one to Lord it over other people. I know I could join the male counterpart sons of the American revolution with several of my ancestors, just not my thing.

[LeftInTX]

9. They do service work, such as lay wreaths etc

I'm eligible, (my 3rd great grandfather) but haven't gotten around to it.

You have to get as much documentation as possible: Your birth certificate, your parent, grandparent etc. My 3rd great grandfather served in North Carolina. I live in Texas and don't have a connection to anyone in North Carolina. My mom was born in Florida. Her father was born in Georgia. (He may not have a birth certificate) Finally my great grandfather was born in North Carolina.

I think the Mormon church might sponsor local genealogical research centers, to help you obtain the necessary documents. DAR is pickiest about the most recent relatives and not as much about the ones going way back.

I'm lucky that I've got a straight shot in my family too. The veteran from the revolutionary war was living in my great grandfather's house in the 1850 census..(My great grandfather was born in 1962) The veteran was 98 years old in that census.

The Rev War veteran had 16 grown children from two women. He never married. His son was a state senator who got all the kids legitimized in 1824.

I would join so my daughter and granddaughter could join. I just don't have the energy..LOL

[wnylib]

10. I' m eligible through several ancestors but have

Last edited Mon Dec 16, 2019, 06:43 AM - Edit history (1)

never been interested. Seems silly to me to join an organization based on something my ancestors did. Not something I earned. Can't take credit for their accomplishments and sure wouldn't want to take blame for their faults.