06/26/2026
The Manhattan Chapter, NSDAR, stands in support of inclusion, dignity and respect for every eligible member.
Our society has always been rooted in service, historic preservation, education and patriotism. We believe every eligible woman deserves to be welcomed with respect, kindness and equal opportunity to participate in the work of our chapter.
Words from Alyssa Ritch-Frel, Registrar of Manhattan Chapter:
“…let’s remember how, why, and when we were founded. In 1890, we were founded because we were being discriminated against. Why? Because of our gender. The Sons of the American Revolution saw no place for us in their organization, so we created our own.
Today, BOTH organizations accept EVERY application, and EVERY applicant’s birth certificate, amended or not, as long as it names their parents and proves their lineage.
Before I joined in 2019, I had concerns about the DAR’s discriminatory past. That same year, Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly of NY became the first state regent of color EVER in DAR history.
She convinced me that things had changed and that this was no longer my grandmother’s DAR.
We have spent 87 years trying to overcome a reputation for discrimination. Let’s not add to that.
Instead, when we speak of the way things used to be, let’s remember how and why we were founded, gender discrimination, and let us remain focused on our original goals of honoring our ancestors, and promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism...”
