Mastering the Toolkit: A Tutorial on Navigating the Daughters of the American Revolution Databases

Ancestors who helped America win its independence can bring additional benefits beyond standing taller on Independence Day. You could qualify for membership in either Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) or its male equivalent, Sons of the American Revolution. Even if you choose not to join, tapping the DAR’s genealogy information since 1890 has now become easier thanks to three interconnected databases on its website that make up its new Genealogical Research System (GRS) with links directly into each database or just skip directly there!
GRS makes it easier for you to request record copies of applications submitted for DAR membership. These applications contain documentation required to demonstrate genealogical connections back generation by generation to “patriot ancestors” who fought in the Revolutionary War or otherwise contributed to American independence, giving rise to your patriot ancestor as well as any others you both share in common. From this copy you can learn not only more about your patriotic ancestor but also those shared between yourself and DAR members.

How can I discover whether I have a patriot ancestor? Historically, queries had to be submitted via the DAR’s Patriot Lookup Service before waiting for an email response. Now GRS’ Ancestor Database makes searching easier; simply follow these six steps for starting out!

1. To begin, navigate to the Ancestor tab. Fill in all available information about an ancestor that you believe should qualify as a DAR patriot; at least one starred field is mandatory (Last Name, First Name or Ancestor Number–each patriot has its own ID number). Wildcard characters such as *nson will find Dickinson as well as Dickenson. There’s an Advanced Search tab where you can add details about patriotic service by filling in all applicable boxes; most searches don’t require such fine-tuning; don’t overlook Child Search either; this might expand your family tree one step.

2. Once you’ve filled out and clicked Search, a list of hits should appear. If your initial search yielded no hits, the database may suggest alternative spellings (MOBERLEY >> MOBLEY); just click one to begin your search. Note that while these spellings may seem more accurate to historical accounts than what’s reflected herein, they do differ due to being informed by Library of Congress classification systems and therefore should not necessarily be trusted as authoritative authorities. In many instances there will also be warnings of problems found with earlier DAR applications which need further investigation later; these warnings must be ignored for later research purposes before conclusively conclusively conclusively resolved.

3. To view an individual’s full record, including applications based on him or her, look for those marked by an “S” icon to the right of their name – these indicate applications with supporting documentation.

4. To conduct a search in the DAR Member Database for an applicant, click on their National Number column. Your results will provide a list of patriot ancestors. Alternatively, the Member tab provides access directly to this DAR database but only supports searching by Member Number.

Use the family tree icon on an Ancestor or Member page to search Descendants database, for any descendants of this patriot. Directly search 7.1 million names–an increasing list–using Descendants tab.

6. On a Descendants page, select the family tree icon to return to a lineage submitted by a DAR member. If they used a “short form”, which piggybacks onto an already approved application and lists only a generation or two; full applications, however, often contain extensive genealogie. With just one click you can search similar listings with ease using magnifying-glass icon on Descendants pages.

If you would like a record copy and the accompanying documentation for one or more members, including their Member Number. Or you can request their latest long-form application if any ancestor who appears in our database appears here.
For additional research leads, use the GRC tab to access an all-name index of Genealogical Research Committee books held at the DAR Library; approximately 20% have been indexed so far with over 20 million names indexed so far. Or select Library Catalog tab and search throughout our entire catalog; many entries here link directly back into GRC database entries.