See our America 250th insert inside today
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was founded in 1890, a time marked by renewed patriotism and interest in those who contributed to our nation’s freedom. Not welcomed by the men’s society, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), four women from Washington, D.C., established the NSDAR. They were Mary Smith Lockwood, Eugenia Washington, Ellen Hardin Walworth and Mary Desha. Currently, it is one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has since become the nation’s largest patriotic women’s service organization. With more than 1 million women having joined the organization since its founding, it is the first heritage society to formally partner with America 250, the nationwide public commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The nationwide public commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. Commemorative observances throughout the anniversary period of the entire Revolutionary War began with the Boston Tea Party in 2023 and will conclude with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 2033.
The DAR’s motto is “God, Home, Country.” To fulfill this motto, members pursue historic preservation, education and patriotism. The focus of the DAR’s commemorative efforts is to celebrate the nation’s rich history while honoring the men and women who helped achieve American independence. DAR members, inspired by the service of their Revolutionary ancestors, are celebrating through acts of community service and hosting educational events.
“Daughters have always had a heart for community volunteerism, so expanding our work to mark the Sesquicentennial is a natural extension of the work we have done locally for more than 135 years,” said Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR president general.
The Richard Clinton Chapter NSDAR was organized in Clinton on April 16, 1949. The chapter’s name was chosen to honor the memory of Patriot Richard Clinton, whose actions before, during and after the Revolutionary War made a dramatic impact on the creation of Sampson County, as well as the founding of Clinton as the county seat.
The objectives of the DAR are met through the celebration of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23, and by donating historical books for all age groups to the Sampson County Public Library. An America 250 display has also been provided to the local library system.
Students are challenged to compete by writing patriotic essays, and an awards ceremony is held each February.
The Richard Clinton Chapter DAR hosted a reception during the initial America 250 celebration at the Sampson County History Museum and laid wreaths in honor of Richard Clinton and David Dodds, two local patriots.
The chapter has also participated in county street fairs, encouraging citizens to write thank-you cards to veterans and active-duty service members while offering free pocket Constitutions and American flags.
The chapter has produced state winners in the Veteran Volunteer, Good Citizens and Patriot contests.
With a very active Veterans Committee, many monetary and tangible donations have been made to homeless veterans. The chapter also places a patriotic Christmas tree each year in the Veterans Affairs Emergency Room waiting area.
An ice cream social is held each December at Mary Gran and Southwood in honor of their veterans.
From Aug. 5-11, the DAR-sponsored American Revolution Traveling Exhibit will be on display at the Sampson County History Museum.
“This pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with people and places that shaped the birth of our nation” (battlefields.org).
Anyone 18 years of age or older who can trace their lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution may qualify for membership.
For more information, contact [email protected].