Revolutionary War Stories Come to Life Through PBS Series, Local DAR Ancestry

In celebration of the PBS documentary The American Revolution beginning Nov. 16, local DAR members share stories of their Revolutionary War Ancestors from Nov. 16-21, PBS will premiere The American Revolution, a primetime, six-part, 12-hour documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

The film follows dozens of Revolutionary War era figures from a wide variety of backgrounds. DAR members of the Smith-McMillan Chapter descend from Revolutionary War Patriots like those highlighted in the documentary.

Members must be able to trace their lineage back to a man or woman who contributed to securing our nation’s independence. DAR is sponsoring the airing of the documentary in various local PBS markets around the country. Nationwide, it is expected that the documentary will create buzz and heightened interest in the American Revolution. By focusing on telling the stories of the individuals who participated in the Revolutionary War, the documentary complements the founding purpose of the DAR, to preserve the memory and spirit of the men and women who contributed to American Independence.

The airing of the series provides a timely opportunity for DAR to share its rich genealogical resources and inspire the public to search for and find their own personal connection to a Patriot of the American Revolution.

To learn more about uncovering a genealogical connection to a Revolutionary War Patriot, reach out to the Smith-McMillan DAR chapter in La Grange. The American Revolution documentary premieres on PBS at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. More information on the documentary may be found here. The documentary news release may be viewed here. About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership.

Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these Patriots. One of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.

For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.