DAR Celebrates America 250! Weekend

The DAR Celebrates America 250! at DAR National Headquarters

The DAR was pleased to host multiple events celebrating America 250 on April 18, 2026 - the 250th Anniversary of the eve of the battles of Lexington and Concord! Activities included: DAR's Birthday Party for America, a free public event that welcomed hundreds of people to DAR National Headquarters and DAR Celebrates America 250! A Salute to Women Veterans, featuring legendary artist Patti LaBelle, a ticketed concert event that brought DAR members and the public alike together to honor the contributions of women veterans past and present at DAR Constitution Hall.

Banners on the side of the DAR Building highlighting America's 250th.

DAR Celebrates America 250! A Salute to Women Veterans, featuring Patti LaBelle

Taking place in DAR Constitution Hall, the evening began with a short program recognizing women veterans and organizations that support them, including the ten 2026 recipients of the DAR’s Vivian's Outreach to Women grant program for organizations serving homeless and indigent women veterans.

This meaningful program was followed by a full-length concert by Patti LaBelle. Widely celebrated as the Godmother of Soul, LaBelle brought her powerhouse vocals and timeless elegance to DAR Constitution Hall. She covered hits from her early days with The Bluebelles to her iconic solo career – with unforgettable numbers such as Lady Marmalade, On My Own, If Only You Knew and more.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE CONCERT HERE

View the Concert Release Here

Patti La Belle at Constitution Hall — Patti La Belle sings at Constitution Hall

The special concert event began with a short program recognizing women veterans and highlight the vital work of the Military Women’s Memorial, honoring the commitment, contributions, and experiences of all servicewomen. The DAR announced an additional $250,000 donation to the Memorial, strengthening the relationship between the two organizations.

Located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the Military Women’s Memorial is the nation’s only major national memorial to honor all women who have defended the nation. The Memorial ensures that future generations of girls and women are inspired to serve their country through military service.

The DAR Vivian’s Outreach to Women (VOW) Grant supports nonprofits that provide essential housing, health, family, and employment resources to help homeless and indigent women veterans achieve stability and self-sufficiency. The DAR grant fund has gifted more than $1.2 million to worthy organizations nationwide since its founding in 2019 and in 2026 the DAR awarded more than $400,000 to 10 organizations.

America's Birthday Party

At America's Birthday Party, DAR offered free, family-friendly activities throughout its headquarters, which included story time with Martha Washington, the signing of a birthday banner for America, classic party games with a patriotic twist, many fun photo opportunities, genealogical activities for kids and adults alike, and celebratory birthday cupcakes.

Guests explored the DAR Museum’s exhibit, Revolution in Their Words which examines the nation’s founding through the firsthand accounts of those who lived it, presenting a wide range of perspectives from the decades before, during, and after the American Revolution. Complementing the main gallery exhibit, Preserving Patriotism: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy at DAR, was on view in the DAR Museum’s Study Gallery and featured the signatures of all 56 Signers of the Declaration.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE BIRTHDAY PARTY HERE