Daughters of the American Revolution: Unite!
Catty-corner from the White House stands another stately Beaux-Arts mansion of white marble columns and stairs that you'd think it was a federal courthouse or a guest home for visiting kings. In fact, it is the headquarters for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Founded in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution (or DAR) is a women's service group dedicated to preserving the patriotism and memory of the war fought by our founding fathers to create the United States, as well as promote education of children for the future. Any woman over the age of 18 who can prove lineage to a patriot from the American revolution may become a member. The DAR is made up of 3,000 chapters with nearly 165,000 members nationwide.
The headquarters in Washington is made up of two buildings taking up an entire city block. The first building holds the DAR museum, which features period rooms, china, a small collection of guns and swords from the Revolutionary war, and various belongings of famous Americans. Dolley Madison's earrings, Thomas Jefferson's socks and slippers, George Washington's china, President Monroe's armchairs, and Paul Revere's silver are among the collection. The DAR may accept donated items up to the year 1840, when the Industrial Revolution began.
For people who enjoy viewing period rooms, the DAR specializes in a number of such displays. The first one is the New Jersey room, established in 1910 and is a 17th-century council room. There is also a one-room Pilgrim period dwelling, a tavern, a parlor, a study and an attic of toys. Each room is funded by different states and are from different time periods, and are available to view by docent tour.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: The museum is located within the Memorial Continental Hall, while the DAR Constitutional Hall is located on the other end of the block. That building was completed in 1929 in a similar Beaux-Arts style, and often holds concerts and events. There's an entire theater-style hall with a stage and seating, popular with concerts and graduations. Galas and weddings are often held at the DAR for its beauty, grace and ample space.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
