UPDATE: SCHS — Photo of the Week / 9.27.21 — ‘Daughters of the Revolution’, 1891 – 1983

Photo of the Week

——— Monday, September 27, 2021 ———

FROM THE SCHS LIBRARY ARCHIVES

“How shall we know it is us without our past?”
– John Steinbeck

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NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE

DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION, 1891 – 1983

by Wendy Polhemus-Annibell, Head Librarian

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National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution, 1891-1983. (Image from the Collection of the Suffolk County Historical Society Library Archives, the official D of R repository.)

The National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution (known as the “D of R”) was organized in 1891 after a difference of opinion within the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) arose over membership qualifications. The D of R was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York as an organization national in its work and purpose. The objectives of the society were stated in its constitution:

“To perpetuate the patriotic spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to commemorate prominent events connected with the War of the Revolution; to collect, publish, and preserve the rolls, records, and historic documents relating to that period; to encourage the study of the country’s history; and to promote sentiments of friendship and common interest among the members of the Society.”

A woman was eligible for D of R membership if she was above the age of eighteen and was descended from an ancestor who “assisted in establishing American Independence during the War of the Revolution, as a military or naval officer, a soldier or a sailor, an official in the service of any of the thirteen original Colonies or of the United Colonies or States or of Vermont; a member of a committee of Correspondence or of Public Safety, or a recognized patriot who rendered material service in the cause of American Independence.”

When the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution disbanded in 1983, the Suffolk County Historical Society Library & Archives became the official repository of the D of R’s national member application records and other materials. Though the collection has not been digitized, an invaluable electronic finding aid is available on the website of the German Genealogy Group (www.germangenealogygroup.com). The applications, which contain genealogical information, are available to researchers in our physical library space. The research library is currently open by appointment only: Weds. to Sat., 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Call to schedule your library visit: 631-727-2881 x103. You never know what historic surprises you might find!

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Join us on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a “Night at the Museum”– Costume Party ~ Reception ~ Fundraiser – in celebration of our newly installed Gory Gallery Exhibit! $20 per guest. Reserve in advance: (631) 727-2881 x100. Costumes (and masks) highly recommended! Ages 16 and older. Light refreshments will be served.

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