DARlibrary

Collections of the Daughters of American Revolution Library

The Library contains most standard genealogical publications and attempts to keep apace of the hundreds of new books which appear annually in the area of American genealogy and state and local history. The collections are for reference use only with no inter-library loan. American Genealogical Research at the DAR, the first comprehensive guide on the DAR's collections, offers researchers advice for planning a visit. Among the major features of the Library are:

On-line Catalog: The Library's catalog may be accessed through the DAR's homepage at
http://www.dar.org or directly at http://dar.libra!y.net.

Genealogical Records Committee Reports:Nearly 15,000 typescript volumes from all states contain previously unpublished genealogical materials such as Bible records, cemetery transcriptions, court record abstracts, censuses, military records, vital records and other similar sources. G.R.C. Reports prior to 1972 are on microfilm produced by the Genealogical Society of Utah and are indexed by four volumes. The thousands added since 1972 are only available in their original form in the library.

File Collection: Over 300,000 files of documentation for some DAR membership applications along with other genealogical material the Library has obtained during the past century comprises this collection. Copies of membership applications must be ordered from the Office of the Registrar General-Record Copy Office.
Special Indexes: A 300-drawer analytical card index and many smaller indexes and finding aides provide access to hidden genealogical information. The Library's collection of census indexes is the best in the city according to local genealogists.

Family Histories: Nearly 40,000 family histories and genealogies comprise a major portion of the book collection. Many of these studies are unique or available in only a few libraries in the country.

Manuscript Collection: A growing collection of research notes, personal letters and other unpublished genealogical materials offers further sources for research. An ongoing indexing project makes this material accessible to researchers.

Women's History Collection: The role of women in American history is represented by this selection of books.

African American Research: The DAR Library collects African American family histories, published sources and guidebooks to research. Minority participation in the American Revolution is the subject of several DAR publications.

American, Indian, Collection: This special collection focuses on Native American history, genealogy and culture.

Genealogical Periodicals: An extensive collection of journals, newsletters and other periodicals from genealogical and historical societies around the United States along with special indexes is available. The Library maintains over 1,100 subscriptions each year.

City Directories: In 1987 the Library acquired a collection of city directories for cities throughout the country, which concentrates on the early twentieth century.

Sources for the History of the American Revolution: A major subject focus of the Library is the history of the period of the American Revolution and the late eighteenth century, including the formation of the Union and the Constitution.

Seimes Microfilm Center: The Microfilm Center houses a collection of microform records which supplements the holdings of the library. Here researchers will find DAR membership applications, federal census records 1800-1900, Revolutionary War records of the federal and state governments, and many state records not found in other research centers in the Nation's Capital. (202) 879-3246

OTHER DAR OFFICES OF INTEREST TO RESEARCHERS

Registrar General Record Information:This office maintains the card index which supplements the printed DAR Patriot Index and provides information and policies relating to DAR membership applications and established Revolutionary War ancestors. It also provides copies of those applications which may be duplicated under certain guidelines. The surviving supporting documentation for these applications is, however, in the Library. (202) 879-3251

Organizing Secretary General: This office maintains the historical and current records of DAR members, including addresses of chapters and members. (202) 879-3223

Historian General: Besides housing the official archives of the DAR, this office maintains the Americana Collection of pre-1860 manuscripts and imprints and information on located and marked graves of Revolutionary War veterans. (202) 879-3256

Corresponding Secretary General:All DAR publications are sold from this office. \ (202) 879-3218
Member Services: This office provides introductory information on the DAR in general as well as on membership requirements and application procedures. \ (202) 879-3205

. GENERAL INFORMATION

Address: 1776 D Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-5392. The Library is in the DAR Headquarters complex in the block bounded by C, D, 17th and 18th Streets, N.W., a short distance southwest of the White House. The entrance is on D Street.

Telephone: (202) 879-3229

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Saturday. Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. except on holiday weekends. Closed on federal holidays. Unannounced closing may occur. Please check before planning a visit. During DAR's Continental Congress the Library is only open to members during two weeks in the middle of April each year (check for specific dates).

User Fee: DAR members support the library with their membership dues, gifts, and bequests. Non-members pay a small user fee to help maintain the collections. Members of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of the Revolution and the Children of the American Revolution are exempt from the fee with presentation of a current membership card.

Parking: Limited, metered street parking is available. A parking ramp is in the 1700 block of New York Avenue two blocks north of DAR. There are no meter fees on Sunday.

Metro: The closest Metro station is at Farragut West on the blue and orange lines, a seven block walk. Limited Metrobus service during rush hours is available two blocks south on Constitution Avenue.

Group Visits: Groups are welcomed and encouraged. Please register your visit with us well in advance to avoid conflicts, crowded conditions, or unannounced closings. Introductory materials for groups may be requested directly from the DAR Library. (202) 879-3229

Publications: American Genealogical Research at the DAR, Washington, D.C. (1997) is the first detailed guide to using DAR collections. Orders for this book and other available publications should be sent to the Office of the Corresponding Secretary General.

On-line Information: The DAR's homepage may be viewed at www.dar.om. Library information is updated when necessary. The Library's computerized catalog may be researched directly at http://dar.librarv.net.

Photocopies: Mail order requests are processed through the Library's Search Service. Entire books cannot be copied and all copying must adhere to copyright limitations.

Reference Assistance: Telephone assistance is available for very specific questions and general information.

Search Service: The DAR Library Research Service handles the many inquiries received annually from researchers. An information sheet on the service and fees is available from the Library and at the DAR's homepage.

Provided by: SUMMIT COUNTYCHAPTER,OGS
Akron, OH 44309-2232

e-mail: SummitOGS@ald.net

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