DAR Genealogical Research System

The DAR Genealogical Research System is a combination of several databases created in recent years to organize the large quantity of information that the DAR has collected since its inception in 1890. Much of the work to create these research tools is the direct result of funding provided by the President General’s Project of the administrations of Linda Tinker Watkins (2001-2004) and Presley Merritt Wagoner (2004-2007). This system of databases will continue to expand as new information is added.

Once you click on the link DAR Genealogical Research System, you will see the screen pictured below

Click thumbnail for a larger view.

You can access the various databases through the “tabs” along the top of the search screen. The following descriptions provide basic information about each database.

Ancestor Tab

The Ancestor Tab is the working database of the DAR Genealogy Office and the data are taken from verified membership applications and supplemental applications. The database is NOT a comprehensive list of all individuals who served in the Revolutionary War.

Member Tab

You may search for basic information on a member’s ancestor record using their national number, name and other fields using the Member Tab.

Descendants Tab

The Descendants database is an index of the names found on the lineage page of DAR applications and supplemental applications. This database is an ongoing project. If you do not locate the name you are expecting to find it may be because not all the applications have been indexed.

GRC Tab

The DAR’s Genealogical Records Committee Reports began in 1913 and are added to every year. The information in these 20,000 typescript volumes is predominately Bible record and cemetery record transcriptions along with many other types of transcribed or abstracted genealogical sources.

Resources Tab

Researchers will find a variety of links to other resources of use in genealogical research in this section of the system.

Library Catalog Tab

This section provides a direct link to the DAR Library’s online catalog.

You can obtain a much more detailed description of each of the tabs by visiting http://www.dar.org/library/online_research.cfm

Using my own ancestor, Solomon Phillips, as an example, the image below is what you will see if you search on the Descendants Tab.

Click on thumbnail for larger image.

If you click on the icon you can view the list. View a screenshot of the Descendant’s List.

Take some time to explore all of the options available on this new tool available to aid in your genealogy research.