So, You’re a Member of the DAR – Now What???
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the
DAR but were afraid to ask.
Welcome to the DAR! You have successfully completed your
ancestral research to your Patriot - you have crossed the finish
line – you are now a member of the National Society Daughters
of the American Revolution (NSDAR). We want to thank you for
joining the Shrewsbury Towne –Monmouth Chapter!
So now what? There is probably so much you do not know
about the DAR and hopefully this booklet will answer many
questions that you were afraid to ask.
So let’s begin.
1. NSDAR overview
2. Wow – there are that many Chapters in NJ? Chapter
locations and properties
3. Conferences, State Meetings and National – Continental
Congress
4. What’s with the pins and ribbons?
5. What’s with the formal protocol at the meetings?
6. What can I do? Committees
7. Getting the Word OUT!
NSDAR Overview
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When the Sons of American Revolution (SAR) voted in
1890 to exclude women from their patriotic society, four
working women in the District of Columbia – Mary
Lockwood, Mary Desha, Eugenia Washington, and Elle
Hardin Walworth – formed their own patriotic society. In
the words of former DAR President General Patricia
Walton Shelby: “Our founders were the first to proclaim
women’s rights and do something about it.”
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was
founded in 1890, and is headquartered in Washington,
DC.
DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's
service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism,
preserving American history, and securing America's
future through better education for children.
DAR members volunteer more than 250,000 hours
annually to military veteran patients, award many
thousands of dollars in scholarships and financial aid
each year to students, and support schools for the
underprivileged with annual donations exceeding one
million dollars.
The DAR National Headquarters encompasses an entire
downtown city block in Washington D.C. and houses one
of the nation's premier genealogical libraries, one of the
foremost collections of pre-industrial American
decorative arts, Washington's largest concert hall, and an
extensive collection of early American manuscripts and
imprints
DAR Facts
Founded:
October 11, 1890
Incorporated 1896 by an Act of Congress
Objectives: Historic Preservation, Education, Patriotism
Motto: God, Home, and Country
Membership: 177,000 members
3,000 chapters in all 50 states and Washington,
D.C.; International chapters in Australia, Austria,
Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, France, Germany,
Guam, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain, United
Kingdom
More than 930,000 women have joined the DAR
since it was founded
NSDAR Management
President General: Lynn F. Young
The National Society is led by the President General and an
Executive Committee of 11 National Officers who serve a three
year term. In addition to rulings by the Executive Committee,
policy for the Society is made by the National Board of
Management, a body composed of the Executive Officers, 21
Vice Presidents General, and 53 State Regents. The National
Board of Management meets six times a year at DAR
headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Most of DAR's volunteer work is accomplished under a
committee system comprised of national chairs appointed by
the President General and locally appointed state and chapter
chairs. The national chairs direct and supervise the activities of
their committees with the assistance of the national vice chairs.
NJDAR (New Jersey Daughters of the American Revolution)
State Regent: Cornelia B. Olde
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The New Jersey State Society (NJDAR) was organized on
April 29, 1891. Today, there are forty-six chapters located
throughout the state. We are honored that you chose to
be a member of the Shrewsbury Towne – Monmouth
Chapter.
The Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth Chapter was created
by the 2004 merger of two chapters — Shrewsbury
Towne and Monmouth. The Monmouth Chapter was
created in 1900, and named for the Battle of Monmouth;
the Shrewsbury Towne Chapter was established in 1935,
and was named for the town of Shrewsbury, where the
chapter was organized.
So who are the officers that oversee each Chapter?
Each Chapter consists of the following positions:
Regent
1st Vice Regent
Chaplain
Recording
Corresponding
Secretary
Treasurer
Registrar
Historian
Librarian
New Jersey Chapter Homes and Properties
Our chapters and their members are varied and diverse. The
state’s 46 chapters are divided up within three districts:
Northern, Central (of which Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth
Chapter is a member) and Southern. Members of these chapters
donate their time to local Veteran facilities, are docents at
historical homes and/or make monetary donations to historical
preservation or local community outreach. And some of these
chapters have properties that require constant vigilance and
financial support.
These properties are:
 The Elias Van BunSchooten House (1787) in Wantage is
maintained by the Chinkchewunska Chapter.
 The Schuyler-Hamilton House (1755) in Morristown is
designated as a Historical Landmark and is property of
the Morristown Chapter.
 The Revolutionary Cemetery, located in the center of
Springfield, is maintained by the Church and Cannon
Chapter.
 Fleming Castle (1756) in Flemington is owned by the
Colonel Lowrey Chapter.
 From 1933 – 1947 the General Frelinghuysen Chapter
owned the Old Dutch Parsonage (1751). A gift from
Senator Joseph Frelinghuysen, it was preserved and
deeded to the State of New Jersey Department of
Conservation and Development. The chapter still holds its
meetings in the Old Dutch Parsonage.
 The Buccleuch Mansion (circa 1734) in New Brunswick is
under the custodianship of the Jersey Blue Chapter.
 Memorial Park in Whitehouse Station is owned by the
Old Whitehouse Chapter.
Our State Headquarters are in The Isaac Watson House (1708) in
Trenton.
Outside of New Jersey, the New Jersey Daughters sponsor and
maintain
 The New Jersey Room in the DAR Memorial Continental
Hall in Washington D.C.
 The New Jersey Cottage at the Tamassee DAR School in
South Carolina.
Conferences, State Meetings and Continental Congress.
State Meetings and Conferences
New Jersey DAR has two State gatherings a year – a meeting in
the Fall and a Spring Conference. Both are currently held at the
Westin Princeton in Forrestal Village. Daughters from all over
New Jersey come together to attend business sessions,
committee meetings, and social functions. The spring
conference consists of two days one of which is Awards Day.
Awards Day is a day when we acknowledge and award the youth
of New Jersey. Winners and their families are invited for lunch
and are presented awards in the following areas: The American
History Essay Contest, The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest,
The Fashion Design Contests, the Good Citizens Award and the
Junior American Citizens award.
Continental Congress
Continental Congress is the time honored national meeting of
the DAR membership held annually since the organization’s
founding in 1890. It is held in Washington DC and it is a
wonderful conference that each Daughter should try to
experience at least once.
National, State and Chapter DAR leaders as well as other
members from across the world meet at the DAR National
Headquarters for a week during the summer to report on the
year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future
initiatives and reconnect with friends.
The week-long convention consists of business sessions,
committee meetings, social functions, and is topped off with
four formal evening ceremonies. These evening ceremonies,
held in the historic DAR Constitution Hall, mix pomp and
circumstance with touching award presentations and musical
entertainment.
In addition to member awards and student essay and
scholarship awards, the DAR presents its top national awards at
the convention.
Meeting Protocol
Before you go to a meeting – you should know that the meeting
will follow Robert’s Rules of Order (1915) which is the oldest and
most commonly used guide to parliamentary procedure.
Protocol may be defined as the ceremonial forms and courtesies
which are established as proper and correct or as the proper
etiquette for recognizing and honoring those in a position of
leadership.
The protocol for receiving lines, processions, and seating at DAR
functions through the years has been directed by the Protocol
Division of the Unites States Department of State.
 There is only one presiding officer – address that person
only.
 When addressing a Presiding Officer in a Chapter meeting
say “Madam Regent.”
 If the Regent calls upon you for a report, say: “Thank you,
Madam Regent” and continue with your report.
 If you are called upon at a State conference, say: “Thank
you, Madam State Regent.”
 A presiding officer does not applaud and never
relinquishes the chair unless a motion or action refers to
her only.
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State conferences begin with a procession of Pages
carrying flags, District Directors, State officers, Honorary
State Regents Visiting State Regents, Visiting National
officers, and the State Regent. If the President General is
in attendance, she processes just before the State
Regent. The State Regent is the highest ranking officer even if the President General is present.
If gloves are worn, and this is usually only in the evening,
the glove is removed from the right hand when reciting
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the Unites States
of America and when singing the National Anthem. It is
customary for gloves to be worn during a receiving line,
but it is not mandatory and the hostess sets the example.
During the State Conference, the center aisle is used only
for the procession and recession. Those giving reports
use the side aisles only. And, if possible, never walk in
front of the dais.
Personal pages are assigned to the State Regent, State
Officers, Honorary State Regents, and the General
Chairman of the Conferences. There are also pages
around the room to help members with any need they
may have. To be eligible to be a page – you must be
between the ages of 18-36 years and a member of the
DAR.
So What’s with the Pins and Ribbons?
One of the first things you may notice upon entering a DAR
meeting are the ribbons and pins worn by DAR members. It may
remind you of your days back in the Girls Scouts of America and
it is the same premise. Some pins you can outright purchase
since you are a now a member of the NSDAR: other pins must be
earned. Pins are earned based on committees and positions that
you have served.
Guidelines for Wearing the DAR Insignia
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The insignia pin should be worn over the left breast and
only by active members. The insignia and pins are worn
with a 1-inch wide ribbon which is the same as the ribbon
used to create the State Regent's sash. The ribbon is to
be attached at the shoulder seam.
By ruling of the National Board of Management, a flag
pin may be worn on the left lapel when wearing the DAR
Insignia. No other jewelry is to be worn on the left side
when wearing the insignia pin.
The insignia pin may be worn with attire appropriate for
DAR occasions, which may include pants and jackets.
It should be worn only at functions of the National
Society, state organizations, or chapters, or when
representing the organization.
It may be worn during the dedication of a grave marker
for a deceased Daughter and also at the funeral of a
Daughter. Daughters may sign the memorial book as DAR
members.
The DAR insignia should not be worn on the street, in a
restaurant, cocktail lounge, or other public places unless
a DAR or allied function is taking place.
DAR FAQs about Pins
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Q. I'm a new member. Where do I begin?
A. Most new members start with the basic insignia, which
consists of the official insignia, chapter bar and ancestor
bar. The three pins will automatically be mounted on
ribbon for you. You may also start with just the official
insignia by purchasing a hidden ribbon top bar.
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Q. How do I order pins?
A. Send an order form with a check or credit card number
directly to Hamilton Jewelers or Office of the Organizing
Secretary General, NSDAR, 1776 D Street, NW,
Washington, DC2 0006-5303.The Office of the Organizing
Secretary General will verify the DAR service and
immediately forward the order to Hamilton.
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Q. What state pins can I order?
A. You can order the state of your original ancestor
service, all supplemental ancestor service states and your
membership state.
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Q. What pins come with ribbon?
A. When you place your order for the official emblem,
chapter bar and ancestor bar, they will automatically
mount on ribbon for you. Any additional ribbon can be
ordered in 8, 10, 12 and 14 inch lengths.
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Q. What pins come in 14k gold?
A. Most pins are available by special order in 14k gold
and some may be customized with gemstones. Please
contact Hamilton Jewelers at 1-800-786-5890 to review
your options.
So, What Does One Wear To a DAR Meeting?
Always remember that how you dress reflects what you
think of yourself and of the National Society, which is
represented by the DAR Insignia and pins you have on
your DAR ribbon.
Laura M. Reid, National Chair
No, you don’t have to go out and buy a new outfit to
attend a DAR meeting, I am sure you have something
appropriate in your closet; but if you want a reason to go
shopping then go for it! There are however, some
common sense guidelines to follow especially when
representing the National Society in a community project
or program. It all comes down to remembering that how
we dress and how we act reflects on the dignity of the
Society we represent.
The DAR Handbook states:
 “The insignia may be worn with appropriate dress
for DAR occasions, which include pants and
jackets.”
 Pants and jackets indicate a pantsuit or dress
pants (not denim) with a nice blouse and/or
coordinated jacket.
 Dresses and skirts and blouses and/or jackets are
appropriate.
 Those who are entitled to wear a sash indicating
an active, honorary or past office do not wear the
sash when wearing pants of any kind, including
evening pants ensembles.
What Can I Do?
Want to get involved?? There are lots of areas to which we are
sure your talents can be applied. The DAR works primarily
through a committee system, offering opportunities for
leadership, social networking, skill development and
participation in projects, locally and globally. DAR committees
are the engines that make the society hum. The committees are
the way the society promotes its motto of Historic Preservation,
Education and Patriotism. Members learn leadership and other
skills, make new friends and provide valuable services at home
and abroad.
Committees are comprised of national chairmen appointed by
the National President General, state chairmen appointed by the
State Regent and chapter chairmen who implement the current
priorities and projects. The best way to become involved and
meet other members is to join one or more committees. You do
not have to chair one! However, if you do wish to be a
chairperson, we offer lots of guidance and support.
Below are some of our most active DAR committees:
NATIONAL COMMITTEES
(*before name indicates lack of chapter chair at this time)
American Heritage Committee
 promotes art and sculpture, crafts, drama and literature,
fine arts, and music
American History Committee
 promotes American history through American History
Essay Contest
American Indians Committee
 improves educational opportunities for Indians
Americanism Committee/ DAR Manual for Citizenship
 aids those seeking to become naturalized citizens
Chapter Achievement Awards Committee
 measures chapter’s achievement of its goals
Children of the American Revolution Committee
 assists Children of the American Revolution chapter
Community Service Awards Committee
 recognizes individuals for outstanding unpaid voluntary
achievements
Conservation Committee
 works to conserve and celebrate our natural heritage and
resources
Constitution Week Committee
 commemorates the Constitution (September 17 – 23 each
year)
DAR Good Citizens Committee
 encourages and rewards the qualities of good citizenship
in high school seniors
DAR Magazine Committee
 celebrates our heritage and keeps up with the latest DAR
news
DAR Museum Outreach Committee
 supports Memorial Continental Hall
*DAR Scholarship Committee
 awards college scholarships
DAR School Committee
 promotes education and supports DAR schools
DAR Service for Veterans Committee
 awards outstanding volunteer service
Flag of the United States of America Committee
 promotes patriotism and respect for our flag
Genealogical Records Committee
 adds to unpublished genealogical source materials in the
DAR Library
Historic Preservation Committee
 promotes historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
* Junior American Citizens Committee
 promotes principles of democracy and an appreciation of
our country
Junior Membership Committee
 supports DAR objectives
Lineage Research Committee
 assists with documentation for application for
membership in NSDAR
Membership Committee
 introduces and explains DAR to the prospective member
National Defense Committee
 enlightens public opinion & advocates a strong American
military defense
Public Relations & Media Committee
 informs about the mission and activities of the DAR
Volunteer Information Specialists Committee
 uses computer and technology skills to assist DAR
Getting the Word Out
The best way for people to learn about the Shrewsbury TowneMonmouth Chapter of the DAR is by getting the word out.
Community knowledge of the chapter’s activities is of major
importance. To accomplish this, the Executive Board sends out
press releases to 31 local newspapers, magazines, web sites, and
various radio stations.
We want the public to know about our chapter and the activities
in which we are involved. The more people know about us – the
more we will grow and thrive. If you know of a publication that
we can place on our mailing list, please let us know so that we
can contact them.
Every year the press is invited to attend some of our special
meetings. Reporters have been seen at our December holiday
banquet and at our Awards meeting in April, where we honor
the winners of the American History Essay contest.
We also need your help. Please bring us any published articles
that you might see about our chapter. These articles are placed
in our archives to document our chapter’s activities.
On the National level, every year we share a chapter photo and
a 200 word story about our chapter in the Daughters of the
American Revolution Newsletter which is mailed to members,
along with the DAR American Spirit magazine.
If you can think of any other way to get the word out – let us
know – we are open to suggestions!