Genealogy Research and DAR
Since 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution have been collecting information that chronicles ancestries, and builds genealogies and family histories. DAR’s Genealogical Research System (GRS) offers free online access to a wealth of ancestry information found in DAR’s well maintained databases. The GRS is available from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for the purposes of general research and assisting with the DAR membership process. A helpful article about using GRS can be found here*.
We Can Help You Identify Your Patriot Ancestor
Ancestry research can be a challenge, and we can help. DAR Daughters have a wealth of genealogical experience and knowledge, and welcome the opportunity to assist you in establishing your lineage and completing your DAR application. If you have any questions, please contact Chapter Regent.
Tips to Conducting Your Own Genealogical Research
Here are a few helpful hints for conducting your own genealogical research.
Stay Organized
- Create a Lineage Chart or complete a Pedigree Chart with the info you know about your ancestors. Click here for instructions for completing the chart, or click here for helpful hints for completing your charts.
- Use Family Group sheets or a genealogy computer program to organize your info.
- Arrange your documents and proofs by generation, starting with yourself as Generation #1. Current records are usually easily found. As you move back to earlier generations, documentation will take more research.
Detail Your Proof Information
- Write down the proofs you have for each generation. Include sources in your computer data.
- Make a list of proofs that you need.
Identify the Information You Need
- Check lineage society requirements to decide which line to research
- For a DAR application, you will need, along with proofs for each person:
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- proof of linkage between generations,
- residence of the patriot ancestor during the Revolutionary War, and
- proof of military, civic, or patriotic service, citing an official source, for the patriot ancestor.
- Use a lineage chart and a source sheet.
Finding Research Sources
- Records most commonly used for research are census records, military records, immigration records (ship passenger lists), naturalization records, and land records.
- Search the National Archives Records*.
- DAR’s Genealogical Research System (GRS)
- Check your local library books, copies of book pages, and microfilm. The reference desk is a great place to start.
- Speak with relatives and collect birth, marriage, death certificates. There is a wealth of information in family Bibles.
- Remember that a death record is only as accurate as the person who provided the information.
- Listen to family stories of places and times. The dates might be inaccurate, but they can be validated with census records, military records, immigration records, naturalization records, and land records.
- Internet searches can be very valuable, but all information found must be thoroughly verified by documentations.
- Keep a research journal to prevent repeating research. Always note names, phone numbers, or addresses of sources that have provided information. It might be important to go back to them.
- Photocopy or scan title pages of all books and genealogies, and names and dates of publication of newspapers.
- Do not rush the search. Stay patient and focused. It will be rewarded with results.
- Research is a high priority with the DAR. Stephens Chapter Daughters, with their experience and training, will assist prospective members in establishing their patriot ancestor.