who we are The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded as a national organization in 1890 by four women whose common bond was the fact that each had fathers or grandfathers who were patriots of the American Revolution. The founders of the Daughters of the American Revolution sought to create an organization that would "perpetuate the memory and spirit of the women and men who achieved American independence." With headquarters in Washington, D.C., the DAR continues today as a thriving non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. The DAR’s National Board of Management meets six times a year at DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C. DAR members volunteer more than 250,000 hours annually to veteran patients, award thousands of dollars in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and support schools for underserved children with annual donations exceeding one million dollars. Continental Congress, the DAR annual national meeting, is named after the original Continental Congress which governed the American Colonies. DAR Continental Congress attracts more than 3,000 members to Washington, D.C., each year. Any member of the Ruth Wyllys Chapter may attend the meetings and festivities at Continental Congress. As one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country, DAR boasts 170,000 members in 3,000 Chapters across the United States and internationally. Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. The state of Connecticut has over 40 Chapters state-wide. The Ruth Wyllys Chapter, representing the greater Hartford area, is one of Connecticut’s oldest Chapters. Our Chapter was founded in 1892 as the third Chapter in the state of Connecticut. Ruth Wyllys is a very active Chapter, with over 50 members and associate members who live in Hartford County and beyond.

Connecticut’s Third Chapter, since 1892

DAR Objectives:  Historic Preservation, Education, Patriotism                                                  DAR Motto:  God, Home, and Country

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