As the nation gears up for its monumental
250th anniversary, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are set to orchestrate a memorable series of events, aptly titled
America 250! This initiative is designed to celebrate the pivotal contributions made by our patriot ancestors while simultaneously showing support for veterans. The highlights of the celebration commence on
April 18, 2026, a significant date marking the eve of the first battles of the American Revolution. The DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C., will serve as the vibrant backdrop for this historic occasion, welcoming guests for a day filled with activities, educational displays, and a spectacular evening concert featuring the legendary
Patti LaBelle.
Morning Activities \- From
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the DAR will host a family-friendly open house. This event will feature a variety of historic activities throughout its nationally recognized headquarters, which occupies an entire city block near the iconic White House and the National Mall. Guests can explore the DAR Museum's permanent and rotating exhibitions showcasing the evolution of American life over the centuries. The renowned DAR Library, considered one of the leading genealogical research centers in the country, will also welcome attendees eager to learn more about their family histories.
Dar President General
Ginnie Sebastian Storage expressed her excitement for the day: “We are thrilled to welcome everyone to our beautiful buildings for this full day of celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary. There will be so much for the whole family to enjoy, including story time with historical figures, classic party games, and celebratory birthday cupcakes.” The morning festivities promise to engage visitors of all ages, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment.
Revolution in Their Words \- One of the focal points of the day will be the newly unveiled exhibition,
Revolution in Their Words, which opens just weeks before the event. This exhibition will delve into the diverse perspectives of those who experienced the founding of our nation, presenting firsthand accounts from across the Revolutionary War era. Complementing this will be an exhibition titled
Preserving Patriotism: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy, which will uniquely display the signatures of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, a never-before-seen showcase of these treasured documents.
Evening Concert \- The celebrations will crescendo in the evening with a ticketed concert by
Patti LaBelle at the DAR Constitution Hall. This concert, titled
DAR Celebrates America 250! A Salute to Women Veterans, will pay tribute to the countless contributions of military women throughout American history. The event aims to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of women in the armed forces, showcasing both past and present military heroes. The evening will feature a short program dedicated to these women, along with a full concert that includes some of Patti LaBelle's greatest hits, ensuring a night filled with powerful music and heartfelt recognition.
Beyond the Main Celebration \- The
DAR America 250! initiative extends far beyond the festivities of April 18. The organization plans to award
$250,000 in scholarships dedicated to students pursuing American history studies. Additionally, a traveling exhibition called
The American Revolution Experience will visit communities nationwide, educating and inspiring attendees about the Revolutionary War and its significance.
Online resources for education and research, including the
E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative and the
DAR Patriots of Color Database, aim to shed light on America’s underrepresented Revolutionary War heroes. A generous
$2 million donation to the Trust for the National Mall will help ensure the preservation of the iconic cherry trees in D.C., showcasing the DAR’s commitment to community and heritage.
Moreover, the DAR is set to participate in the
National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony and will proudly present a float in the parade, further emphasizing its dedication to celebrating the nation’s patriotic spirit.
The nearly
190,000 members of the DAR are dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Revolutionary War, upholding the values of education and service, and fostering a community that honors the legacy of American independence. Through numerous local America 250! celebrations, these members will engage their neighborhoods, sharing stories of courage, resilience, and patriotism that define our nation’s journey over the past 250 years.
As American citizens come together to reflect and celebrate this significant milestone, the DAR invites everyone to join in this grand occasion, whether by participating in local events or by attending the spectacular celebration on April 18. For more details about events, activities, and ticket information, please visit
www.dar.org/Celebrate250.