Background

The Sons of the American Revolution was incorporated on January 17, 1890, in Connecticut and later chartered by the United States Congress on June 9, 1906. Prior to this date a number of state societies were formed in the 1880's. These were led by The Sons of Revolutionary Sires organized July 4, 1876, in San Francisco. The first Congress of the National Society was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 30, 1890, which was the 100th anniversary of George Washington's taking the oath of office of President of the United States.

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution celebrated its centennial and the bicentennial of Washington's becoming President on April 30, 1990.

The purposes of the Sons of the American Revolution are patriotic, historical and educational. This includes:

• Perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War Patriots.
• Promoting fellowship among their descendants.
• Inspiring the community with a reverence for the principles of government founded by our forefathers.
• Encouraging historical research of the American Revolution.
• Preserving the records of Revolutionary War Patriots.
• Marking the locations of the Revolution events and its soldiers.
• Celebrating anniversaries of the Revolution.
• Fostering true patriotism.
• Maintaining and extending institutions of American freedom.
• Carrying out the purposes of the Preamble of the Constitution.
• Following the injunctions of Washington's farewell address to the American people.

The National Headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 50 state societies including the District of Columbia. There are also societies in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The current membership is approximately 26,000 active members.