Concord’s Daughters of the American Revolution

BY CHRISTINE CHAMBERLAIN

On October 11, 1890, eighteen women and four men met in Washington to organize a new society, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). That non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization now comprises 3,000 chapters and over 185,000 members.

Four years later, the Old Concord Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 12, 1894, by Mrs. Daniel (Harriet) Lothrop, wife of noted Boston publisher Daniel Lothrop. Writing under the pen name Margaret Sydney, Harriet Lothrop was the author and creator of the Five Little Peppers series of books.

The first gathering of the Old Concord Chapter was held at Harriet’s home, The Wayside, formerly the home of Samuel Whitney, Master of the Concord Minute Men; the Alcott family; and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Old Concord Chapter was the sixth to be formed in Massachusetts.

Invitation to the inaugural meeting of the Old Concord Chapter

Photos courtesy of the Old Concord Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Writing in October 1924, historian and DAR member Effie Rideout reflects that “No town in . . . these United States was more fitted to be the home of a DAR Chapter than our really old town of Concord. Ours was one of the earliest towns to be settled, and it has been rich from its first pioneers, people of strong character, independent thought, and forceful action. Our ancestors were not found wanting.”

At early meetings, papers on the American Revolution were read, and patriotic songs were sung. Reading over the minutes, you can see how the members’ interests broadened into current affairs as women increasingly attained legal and professional status and earned the right to vote. In 1910, for example, the speaker was Mr. Henry Coolidge, whose subject was “Law Making and Procedure in the Massachusetts Legislature.” Many significant figures in the suffrage movement were also active members of the DAR.

The Old Concord Chapter now includes the towns of Concord, Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Maynard, Stow, Littleton, and many others and has 135 members. To become a member of the DAR, one must be related to an ancestor who made a positive contribution to America during the Revolutionary War, either as a member of the militia, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a member of a rebel town government, and or as an individual who offered patriotic service.

Photos courtesy of the Old Concord Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

The DAR, including the Old Concord Chapter, has long supported veterans through the Veterans Service Committee. In 1917, members of the Old Concord Chapter visited Fort Devens to do mending for the soldiers, and after the First World War, the national DAR took part in the restoration of Tilloloy in France. Presently, the Old Concord Chapter, under the leadership of Regent Janine Penfield, is involved in collecting greeting cards and comfort items to be sent to veterans in the VA hospital in Bedford. Each September, the Old Concord Chapter presents a Constitution Week display at Concord Free Public Library, and recently awarded a Historic Preservation Grant to the Boxborough Historical Society.

Currently, the Old Concord Chapter is gearing up for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord when they will join with the Town of Concord, the state of Massachusetts, and the entire nation to remember and honor those who fought for our freedom.

For more information on the DAR or to use its free Genealogical Research System, visit oldconcorddar.org.

Christine Chamberlain is a principal with Camden Writers, a company that produces histories and memoirs for individuals and businesses. A graduate of Wellesley College, she makes her home in Maine and Marblehead.