About the DAR

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) was founded in 1890, and incorporated by an Act of Congress in 1896. The National Society reports annually to the U.S. Congress through the Smithsonian Institution. There are more than 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters located in the 50 states and around the world. Our objectives are historical, educational, and patriotic. The Daniel H. Brush Chapter NSDAR was founded in 1963, and is named for a founding father of Carbondale. Our chapter is comprised of enthusiastic ladies of all ages, backgrounds, and talents. We would love to have you join us. As a group we are committed to historic preservation, education, and promoting patriotism. 
,

  • Become a Member

    Membership in the DAR is very rewarding. To become a member, a woman must be at least 18 years old and be able to prove blood descent from a person who rendered patriotic service during the American Revolution. Many think this must be someone who fought, but there are many other ways a man or woman would qualify as a patriot. You can read more about membership requirements  here. 

  • Members are active in the community 

    Each year, we recognize an outstanding Southern Illinois University (SIU)-Carbondale ROTC cadet in the Aerospace program. We award the Alice Grant Memorial Scholarship, endowed by a deceased member of the chapter, to a deserving area woman. We sponsor the DAR Good Citizens contest for local high school seniors and the American History Essay Contest for students in grades five through eight. We recognize new citizens by attending naturalization ceremonies.

    Participation in veterans' activities at the Marion VA Medical Center is a chapter priority. We also attend Honor Flight events and most recently as a partner of the Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration have been honoring veterans of this conflict. The Spirit of DAR is strong in the Daniel H. Brush Chapter NSDAR. We continue to fulfill the goals of the National Society through our dedication and hard work.





We are committed to:

  • Throughout DAR history, historic preservation has always been one of the main focuses of the organization's mission. DAR members participate in a wide variety of historic preservation projects as it is crucial to saving our history for future generations. The DAR Museum in Washington, D.C., has a collection of more than 30,000 historic artifacts, and the DAR Library is renowned for its collection of genealogical records.

  • The DAR offers scholarships, sponsors essay contests, and provides resources for teachers. Members volunteer in classrooms and at events in their communities to help promote education.

  • For 125 years, the DAR has carried the torch of patriotism. Love of country was the purpose; ancestors who fought for freedom was the bond that connected women and unite to form an organization that honored heritage and worked to ensure a bright future for our children. Patriotism is the foundation of the many DAR activities that take place in local communities across the country.