The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution (SAR and DAR) are organizations dedicated to honoring the legacy of the patriots who fought in the American Revolution. To become a member, you have to trace direct ancestry to someone who fought in or supported the war. But how do you prove that kind of connection?
In today’s world, lineage verification relies on careful documentation and historical research. Members often begin by gathering vital records such as birth and death certificates to establish family connections across generations. These records can be supplemented by wills, probate documents and land deeds, which provide further evidence of family relationships and historical context. Family Bibles, letters and diaries are also invaluable resources, offering firsthand accounts and unique details that help trace a family’s history.
In some cases, researchers reference church records, census data and other archival materials to fill in gaps or corroborate information. This rigorous process ensures that the link between modern descendants and their Revolutionary ancestors is accurate and verifiable.
Beyond simply proving lineage, some members say this research deepens their connection to history, fostering a sense of pride, responsibility and understanding of the sacrifices made by the generation that lived through the Revolution.
Each Friday we’ll be sharing a peek into the past that shows what life was like here, in what’s now Arizona, at the time of the American Revolution.
Stay tuned to learn more about “What Happened in AZ?” each week.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
