Americana Collection
Q: What is the DAR Americana Collection?
A: The Americana Collection is a collection of more than 4,000 early American manuscripts and rare imprint materials (such as books, almanacs, broadsides, newspapers, paper currency). The DAR Americana Collection is housed in the DAR National Headquarters and is open to the public, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Q: Can I donate manuscripts etc. to the Americana Collection?
A: Potential donations of historical documents must be pre-approved by the Office of the Historian General. Please do not submit materials for the collection without first speaking to a NSDAR archivist. To contact the NSDAR archivists, please email ([email protected]) with a detailed description of the item.
Q: How can I research items in the Americana Collection?
A: If you wish to conduct research in the collection, please contact a NSDAR archivist by email ([email protected]) and be as specific as possible about both the nature of your research and the materials you wish to access. You can check out the collection here to request for access to specific historic documents. Arrangements to conduct in-house research must be made ahead of time with a NSDAR archivist. In some cases, documents may be scanned and sent electronically.
NSDAR Archives
Q: Where can I get a copy of a family member’s DAR application and /or family genealogy documentation?
A: Please contact the DAR Library’s copy services at [email protected] for copies of past DAR applications. For pending applications, please contact the DAR’s Genealogy department, [email protected].
Q: To whom do I donate my family’s DAR-related records?
A: Please contact the NSDAR archival staff by email ([email protected]) providing a detailed description of the DAR-related materials in your possession. Once apprised of the nature of this material, the archival staff will determine whether you should talk to a DAR chapter regent, a state DAR organization official, or the NSDAR archival staff member, concerning the transfer of these DAR records back into DAR custody. Appropriate contact information will then be provided.
Q: How can I contact a DAR State Society or a local DAR Chapter?
A: DAR State Societies can be contacted via their respective websites, listed here, along with the local DAR chapters, https://www.dar.org/national-society/become-member/chapters-by-state. For help in locating a DAR chapter, please check out the DAR Chapter Locator at https://www.dar.org/national-society/become-member/chapter-locations.
Q: What is the NSDAR Archives and what is its purpose?
A: The NSDAR Archives houses the non-current permanent records created in the course of business by the National Society--items such as correspondence, meeting minutes, project files, photographs and the like. The purpose of the NSDAR Archives is to serve as the repository for these NSDAR records which are no longer administratively useful but which have sufficient historical or other value to warrant their continued preservation.
Q: How can I conduct research in the NSDAR Archives?
A: If you wish to conduct research in the Archives, please contact a NSDAR archivist by email ([email protected]) and be as specific as possible about both the nature of your research and the materials you wish to access. You can check out the photograph collection, along with items that have been on display in past exhibitions, here. Arrangements to conduct in-house research must be made ahead of time with a NSDAR archivist. Access to much of the NSDAR Archives requires the permission of the President General. More information will be provided by the archivist.
Q: How can I properly care for our DAR chapter or state society records?
A: The Chapter or State Regent is responsible for the disposition of chapter or state records including records obtained as a result of two or more chapters merging into one chapter. All decisions regarding retention, storage and use of records are the responsibility of the Regent. Records from disbanded chapters should be deposited with the state society. If you have questions regarding which records should be retained, or how to properly store or preserve them, please contact a NSDAR archivist by email ([email protected]).
DAR Markers
Q: How can I find out if my Revolutionary War era ancestor's grave has had a DAR marker placed at his/her gravesite?
A: The Office of the Historian General maintains a catalog of the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots that have been marked by the DAR. To request information on the marking of an ancestor's grave please email ([email protected]) the staff of the Historian General's office.
Q: My deceased relative was a member of the DAR, and she wished to have a DAR Insignia marker placed at her gravesite. How do I go about obtaining a DAR Insignia marker for my relative?
A: Please contact the Office of the Historian General by e-mail ([email protected]) and let us know of your situation. We will send you the necessary forms. We will also put you in contact with the regent of your deceased relative's DAR chapter, who will need to sign the permission form. Once you have a signed permission form in hand, that form can be sent to one of the firms authorized to reproduce the DAR Insignia, from which you will then be allowed to purchase the marker.
Awards and Medals
Q: What is the DAR History Award Medal?
A: Any individual or group whose study and/or promotion of some aspect of American history-on the regional or national level-has significantly advanced the understanding of America's past is eligible for this award. These contributions to the study of American history may have been associated with (but are not limited to) archives, manuscript collections, historical societies, libraries, museums or other organizations. Writers and/or editors of significant historical publications, historical researchers and persons involved with preservation efforts of historical buildings, artifacts or records are eligible for this award. Work performed in history-related disciplines such as genealogy, museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, political science, etc. may be eligible; however, the primary goal and the final result of the project must have been the study and/or promotion of some aspect of American history. DAR members are eligible for this award; however, they must meet the same requirements as non-DAR candidates. Each nomination is judged only on the accomplishments of the nominee in relation to the submission requirements. Nominations are not compared with other nominations.
