10/11/2026
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) was founded by four women whose determination, along with the support of other patriotic citizens, laid the foundation for a legacy of service.
The story began in April 1889 with the founding of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Although some SAR societies initially admitted women, the national organization formally voted to exclude them in April 1890.
Outraged that women’s contributions to the American Revolution were being overlooked, Mary Smith Lockwood, wrote an editorial that was published in the Washington Post on July 13, 1890. In it, she asked, “Were there no mothers of the Revolution?”
Only July 21, William O. McDowell, Vice President General of SAR, responded with his own letter to the newspaper. Disagreeing with the decision to exclude women, he encouraged them to establish their own organization and offered his assistance. Mary Desha was one of six who responded.
On October 11, 1890, eighteen women, including the four traditionally recognized founders – Mary Desha, Mary Smith Lockwood, Ellen Hardin Walworth, and Eugenia Washington – gathered at Mrs. Lockwood’s home in Washington, D.C., for the first official organizing meeting. Four men also attended and became NSDAR’s first Advisory Board.
During that historic meeting, the nation’s First Lady, Caroline Scott Harrison, was elected the Society’s first President General. It was also decided that October 11 would be observed as the organization’s permanent anniversary.
The rest, as they say, is history.
What began with four determined women grew into a worldwide organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
Since its founding, the Society has welcomed more than one million members and today boasts nearly 190,000 active members in chapters around the world, carrying forward a proud legacy of service to our communities and our nation.
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