DAR

DAR (DAR), association of women, organized in Washington, D.C. in 1890, to preserve the memory of those who fought for American independence and to foster patriotism. Eligibility for membership is based on direct descent from a man or woman who actively participated in the American War of Independence. More than 168,000 women in about 3,000 chapters belong to the society. At the headquarters in Washington are a museum of state rooms dating from the 17th through to the 19th century and a comprehensive genealogical library containing valuable original documents pertaining to the War of Independence.