The National Society of the DAR was founded by four women in 1890 who were descendants of American Revolution patriots. The National Society membership has reached almost 200,000 members who have recorded over seven million service hours in 2025.
The Manatee Chapter was founded in 1951, and is now in our 75th year. Our Chapter membership is 100+ members who log over 4,000 service hours each year. We meet monthly from October through May, primarily Friday or Saturday mornings, to plan service activities and enjoy fellowship with members.
At its heart, DAR is about preserving American legacy, championing education and inspiring patriotism.
Chapter membership offers opportunities to support education, literacy and historical preservation through our work at a local title 1 school, sponsoring Good Citizen awards, American History essay contests, and recognizing JROTC cadets in local high schools. Our library displays celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Constitution week and Flag Day by inspiring local youth and families to learn more about – and celebrate — the American legacy.
The Chapter supports veterans in Manatee County Stand Down, Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, and No Veteran Forgotten Ceremonies and Wreaths Across America at Sarasota National Cemetery, and we support active-duty service men and women through our Project Patriot work.
Our members also support a local food pantry, and numerous other community service efforts in Manatee County and around the Country during the summer months.
To learn about the work of the DAR,
visit the National Society (NSDAR) website.
DAR Motto:
God, Home, and Country
National Society DAR (NSDAR) Administration theme 2025-2028
“Illuminate Our Legacy”
NSDAR Scripture
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” -Peter 4:10, NIV
“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.” Proverbs 31:10 MSG
The content contained herein does not necessarily represent the position of the NSDAR. Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations or individual DAR chapters.
site updated on 10/22/2025