DAR Objectives

As we've discussed, DAR has three main objectives: historic preservation, patriotism and education. The group achieves these goals many different ways. Here is a sampling of how they go about it:

Historic Preservation

Education

  • DAR gives more than $1 million each year to six schools, specially chosen for the education they provide to children who have special needs, such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. Some of the schools provide a refuge to children with troubled home lives.
  • The group provides $70,000 to $100,000 in funds each year to American Indian schools.
  • DAR awards scholarships based on academic excellence in various areas. Disabled students, children of DAR members and American Indians are also eligible to apply for scholarships.

Patriotism

  • DAR gives schools, civic organizations and other groups thousands of American flags each year.
  • The organization provides the "DAR Manual for Citizenship" to immigrants. Since its first distribution in 1921 at Ellis Island, more than 10 million manuals have been given out.
  • DAR members provide volunteer aid to veterans.
  • The group awards two honors to Americans for "outstanding contributions to the nation" [source: DAR]. The Americanism Medal is given to naturalized citizens, while the DAR Medal of Honor is reserved for American-born citizens.

DAR naturalization ceremony
Photo courtesy NSDAR
Texas Society DAR members at a naturalization ceremony. DAR offers assistance to new U.S. citizens through education and encouragement.

In addition to these initiatives, DAR produces several publications. American Spirit, DAR's official magazine, includes feature stories about historical topics, citizenship and education. A leaflet called National Defender is published monthly -- its topics focus on current issues. And, Daughters Newsletter exists to provide information to DAR members.

Historical Controversies Associated with DAR
Like many social organizations, DAR is not without its controversies. In 1939, famous black contralto singer Marian Anderson was denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall. In fact, Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from DAR over Anderson's treatment. At the time, Washington, D.C., was still strictly segregated, and Constitution Hall's entertainment line-up featured only white singers. DAR eventually welcomed Anderson to the stage at Constitution Hall six times, including for the launch of her farewell tour.

In the 1980s, a black woman named Lena Ferguson was denied membership in DAR even though she was a direct descendant of a white Revolutionary War patriot. Ferguson's protest over her treatment gained national attention. DAR finally offered Ferguson membership, but she refused to join a chapter unless discrimination was barred completely within the organization. She also required the group to identify and publish the names of thousands of black patriots.

DAR may have its roots in the past, but it's working hard to keep up with the times. In the next section, we'll learn about DAR's most recent programs and goals.