DAR built upon patriotism, service and historic preservation
Photo courtesy of Gail Matus
Daughters of the American Revolution无毛视频檚 Fort Necessity Chapter supports Wreaths Across America at Great Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Uniontown.
Photo courtesy of Gail Matus
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution无毛视频檚 Fort Necessity Chapter participate in a clean-up at Great Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Photo courtesy of Gail Matus
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution无毛视频檚 Fort Necessity Chapter gathered at the Masontown Matters building, collecting personal care items for veterans at VA in Pittsburgh.
The Daughters of the American Revolution, a lineage-based service organization, focuses on supporting patriotism, education and historic preservation.
But, said Gail Matus, DAR无毛视频檚 southwestern district director in Pennsylvania, the nonprofit also puts a strong focus on supporting the area无毛视频檚 many veterans.
无毛视频淭his is the glue that holds DAR together,无毛视频� said Matus.
DAR has 21 chapters in the southwestern portion of the state, including Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties.
There were formerly two chapters in the Uniontown area. With both struggling for members, the two recently combined to form the Fort Necessity Chapter.
Matus, a member of a Pittsburgh-area chapter, left hers to join and is its vice regent.
At a recent meeting, members donated supplies to make 78 care packages to send to the veterans hospital in Pittsburgh.
DAR is also one of the biggest contributors to Wreaths Across America, Matus said. The local chapter will be placing wreaths at Great Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Uniontown Dec. 18.
The local chapter has also donated to Fort Necessity and the Connellsville Canteen.
无毛视频淲e always have a limited budget,无毛视频� Matus said, 无毛视频渂ut we try to use these historic places, visit them and promote them to highlight the historic value of these places.无毛视频�
The organization also hosts educational programs, including DAR Good Citizens. The program recognizes students for dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
无毛视频淥ur organization wanted to be founded on service, so that无毛视频檚 what we无毛视频檙e all about,无毛视频� Matus said.
DAR members are women who are directly descended from a person who was involved in the United States无毛视频� efforts toward independence
The application process for becoming a member is 无毛视频渧ery thorough,无毛视频� Matus said. 无毛视频淵ou have to have a direct lineage back to a patriot. We do a genealogy based on lineage research (for prospective members), and they have to conform with the genealogy standards of DAR.无毛视频�
Those who are unsure if they qualify for membership can attend a genealogy workshop at noon Feb. 5 at Uniontown Public Library.
无毛视频淲e will 无毛视频� sit with them and discuss their lineage and roots and help determine if they are related to Revolutionary patriots,无毛视频� Matus said, noting patriots aren无毛视频檛 just those who fought. They could also be those who gave aid through food or supplies, or took an oath to the country.
Since the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890, more than 1 million members have been admitted. By 2026, Matus said, the organization wants to have 250,000 active members to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Matus said all chapters welcome new members, or donations. For more information contact the regent of a local chapter from the list provided.