History

In 1895 Utah began the process of becoming a state organization with a single chapter. The first chapter was to be called the "Jennie McNeal Chapter" after a Revolutionary War heroine from the famous poem, "The Ride of Jennie McNeal." However, as Jennie was a fictional heroine, it was suggested a new name be selected.

Harriet Wetmore Sells, a "Real Daughter" (a daughter of a Patriot and a member of DAR), suggested the name "Spirit of Liberty." Her father was Bela Wetmore, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Harriet was married to Elija B. Sells, a lumber merchant. The name was accepted and the organization was officially formed on 17 January 1897.

Margaret Blaine Walker Salisbury (c1865 -1921) was elected Utah's first State Regent. She was the daughter of Robert C. Walker and Elizabeth Blaine. Margaret was the niece of James G. Blaine, Secretary of State under President Garfield in 1880, and President Harrison in 1888. In 1884, her Uncle James ran against Grover Cleveland for United States President, but was defeated. Margaret was married to Orange J. Salisbury. Today, nine DAR chapters serve throughout the state of Utah to promote education, historic preservation, and patriotism. 

Focus

NSDAR Motto - God, Home, and Country

The 2010-2013 National Administration Theme - Preserve the Past, Enhance the Present, Invest in the Future

2012-2014 Utah State Theme - Every Member Counts

Membership

DAR Members are educators, students, professionals, mothers, historians, genealogists, and homemakers who take an active role in their communities promoting our objectives of patriotism, education and historic preservation. With almost 3000 chapters throughout the world, with over 170,000 members, we are one of the largest women organizations in the world.

Membership in DAR offers a number of benefits, including:

Promotion of American history throughout the year by honoring historically significant people, places, dates, and events

Participation in commemorative events such as Flag Day, Veteran's Day and July 4th

Involvement with meaningful service projects throughout the community

Recognition of students with awards and scholarships

Connection with all family members in promoting service efforts

Support the Constitution of the United States of America, the patriotic values of our country, and the military men and women who serve the nation

Association through our communities

Valuable and lifelong relationships with other DAR members during projects, events, and social events

Opportunities to improve leadership capabilities by taking on responsibilities at chapter, state, and national levels

We are thrilled you are interested in the DAR, a non-profit service organization promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

An applicant for membership must be no less than 18 years of age. She shall prove lineal, blood line, descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. She must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage, and death. This shall include the applicant's birth certificate naming her parents. This applies to "new ancestors" and to previously accepted lineages for which documentation was not required at the time of acceptance.

If you are interested in joining DAR in Utah, please contact the Chapter nearest to you.

Utah Chapters

Utah State Organization - Regents   Chapter Location Regent Website Email Bald Eagle Chapter Cedar City Sondra Jeffus Website EMAIL Bear River Chapter Logan Joanne Jensen Website EMAIL Color Country Chapter St George Lee Ann Riddoch Website EMAIL Golden Spike Chapter Ogden Lorilee Beazer Website EMAIL Princess Timpanogos Chapter Salt Lake City Harriet Rasmussen Website EMAIL Salt Lake Valley Chapter Murray Dorothy Williams Website EMAIL Sego Lily Chapter Bountiful Belinda Barking Website EMAIL Uintah Chapter Salt Lake City Lisa Hoyt Website EMAIL Wasatch Range Chapter Provo Carol Ann McPheeters Website EMAIL

Web hyperlinks to non-DAR sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.