The Daughters of the American Revolution or otherwise known as the DAR Museum, is a small attraction in Washington D.C.. The collection of the DAR Museum features more then thirty thousand examples of decorative and fine arts. Some of the collection include, objects made or used by America prior to the Industrial Revolution. Furniture, paintings, silver, ceramic and textiles, such as quilts and costumes, are exhibited in the thirty one period rooms and two galleries. If you are an antique lover the DAR Museum is a must see!

A self guided tour that includes a touch area for children that contain, discovery cubbies, period clothes, reproductions, games, books and furniture. You can also find a mixed variety of unique books and gifts at the DAR Gift Shop. In 1890 the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) was founded, as a women’s organization that was dedicated to preserving American history and promoting patriotism. The nation headquarters, found in the heart of Washington D.C, houses a museum, a library and a concert hall.

Located across from the Ellipse, which also happens to be near the White House, is where you can find the often missed museum. The National Society of Daughter of the American Revolution, is one of the largest lineage societies in the world. The society has built some of the most impressive buildings in the nation’s capital. Three of their major facilities are; the DAR Library, the DAR Museum, and the Constitution Hall. All three are open to the public and are a short distance from the White House.

At 1776 D Street NW, the DAR Library was founded in 1896 to aid the staff genealogists who needed genealogical and historical publications. This collection has been open to the public since the 1900’s, although non-members of the society must pay a small admission fee, to access the collection. The Library itself contains over 150,000 volumes, and continues to grow with about five thousand new title a year. In most cases you can not find any of the volumes anywhere else but the DAR Library.

The DAR Library catalog can be accessed from the DAR Website. While books do not circulate, the Research Service can provide copies and assist with various types of queries. These services are available to non-members as well as members of the DAR. Special emphasis is paid to the era of the American Revolution, as well as the colonial era and the nineteenth century. In addition to published works, the library contains innumerable family histories, cemetery record transcriptions, and Bible records. The library also contains a microfilm department that includes government Revolutionary War records and census records.