Daughters of the American Revolution Museum

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded October 11, 1890 during a time that was marked by a revival in patriotism and intense interest in the beginnings of the United States of America. Women excluded by men’s organizations felt the desire to express their patriotic feelings and formed their own organization, the Daughters of the American Revolution. This organization and its members have carried the torch of patriotism ever since. The organization was founded by a group of four pioneering women: Mary Desha, Mary Smith Lockwood, Ellen Hardin Walworth, and Eugenia Washington. Today the organization has more than 800,000 members, 3,000 chapters around the USA, and more international chapters in thirteen countries around the world, including Australia, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

Many eminent women have been members of DAR, including many first ladies. Laura Bush, Barbara Bush, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Mamie Eisenhower are included on the DAR’s list of esteemed members. Also included are suffragist Susan B. Anthony and astronaut Rhea Seddon.

The National Society owns an entire city block in one of the most beautiful sections of Washington, DC, just two blocks from the White House. The block includes three buildings: the Administration Building, the Memorial Continental Hall, and the Constitution Hall. Both The Memorial Continental Hall and The Constitution Hall are Registered National Historical Landmarks.

The DAR Museum is located in the Continental Hall, designed in 1904 by prominent Washington Architect Edward Pearce Casey. This is the oldest building from the whole complex.  Made of pure white Vermont marble, the neo-classic style buildings with pillared porticos make an eloquent architectural statement about the work that goes on within these walls. Because of its classical detailing, the Hall fits in well with the Colonial Revival movement.