For Immediate Release

NEWS

Press Releases
DAR National Headquarters
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
www.dar.org
DAR Commemorates 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre - Event kicks off Revolutionary War tributes over coming years

BOSTON, MA – The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations, held a grand commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre, one of the defining events that led to the American Revolution. Events on March 4 and 5 centered around tributes and tours related to the historic event, and included nearly two hundred DAR members and guests from around the United States. The commemoration is the first of many upcoming Revolutionary War tribute events that will take place in coming years across the country as the United States begins preparations for its 250th anniversary in 2023.

“Independence is our greatest gift as Americans. As the largest nonprofit organization involved in this milestone commemoration, and amongst the largest women’s organizations in the world, the DAR stands proud to honor the events and heroes in our historical past,” said Denise VanBuren, DAR President General.

The Boston Massacre was a major historical indicator that played a critical role in sparking anti-Britain sentiment which later fueled the Revolutionary War. The chaotic and deadly street brawl between Boston dock workers and British soldiers on March 5, 1770, resulted in the death of five victims. For the American colonists, the massacre revealed the corrupting influence and tyranny of the British. John Adams later claimed that the “foundation of American independence was laid” on that fateful day.

The commemorative events will commence with a private dinner at the Omni Parker House Hotel on March 4 with various keynote speakers including Robert Allison, author of the book The Boston Massacre, and Lynn Young, an officer on the federal U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.

On March 5 at 9 a.m., a formal public tribute service took place at the grave of victims Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, James Caldwell, Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr in the Old Granary Burial Ground. The service included a musket salute from Col. Henry Knox Regimental Color Guard, MASSAR and a wreath-laying ceremony led by DAR President General Denise Doring VanBuren.

“With more than 1 million members since our founding in 1890, the DAR has been vibrantly serving our country in historical preservation, promotion of education and patriotic endeavor,” VanBuren said. “We are honored to pay tribute to the victims that lost their lives in the Boston Massacre, and are thankful for the opportunity to help others connect to this significant milestone marker in American history.”

Women who are interested in American history and their genealogical roots who can trace their family tree to their own Revolutionary War patriot ancestor are encouraged to join the DAR network of community service-oriented women. Learn more at www.dar.org/membership.

###

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active women’s service organizations with nearly 185,000 current members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. These members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.

Note: More information and many high-resolution images are available for download, including images of the Boston Massacre events live as they unfold at: www.dar.org/250BostonMassacre

 

Archives mega Menu Title

DAR Americana Collection and NSDAR Archives

Committees

Member Resources

Forms & Publications

Genealogy

Giving to the DAR

What Our Founders Built, We Must Preserve

Upcoming Events

Marian Anderson
Honoring Marian Anderson

Learn more about the relationship between Marian Anderson and the DAR.

Library Mega Menu Title

DAR Library

Member Resources Mega Menu Title

Member Resources

Museum Mega Menu Title

DAR Museum

Museum Mega Menu Title

DAR Museum

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Shopping Cart

Your shopping cart is empty.

Shopping

Upcoming Events

  • Esther Perel
    - 8:00 PM
  • Heilung
    - 8:00 PM
  • John Mellencamp
    - 8:00 PM
  • Women’s History Costume Party
  • Crystal Bowl Sound Bath
  • Tuesday Talk—The Art and Story of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz
Women of Resilence
Women of Resilience

DAR members selflessly dedicated themselves to the war relief effort of World War I

Learn how DAR members selflessly and tirelessly dedicated themselves to the war relief effort of World War I

Find special initiative opportunities for every interest and every budget!