Sons of the American Revolution

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), formally the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), is a federally chartered patriotic organization. The National Society, a nonprofit corporation headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, was formed in New York City on April 30, 1889. Its objectives are to maintain and extend "the institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, [and] the unifying force of 'e pluribus unum' that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people." The members of the society are male descendants of people who served in the American Revolutionary War or who contributed to establishing the independence of the United States. It is dedicated to perpetuating American ideals and traditions, and to protecting the United States Constitution. The official recognition of Constitution Day, Flag Day, and Bill of Rights Day were established through its efforts. The society has members in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The organization is distinct from the Sons of the Revolution, a separate patriotic organization founded on February 22, 1876, by businessman John Austin Stevens and members of the Society of the Cincinnati. Sons of the American Revolution founder William Osborn McDowell disagreed with the Sons of the Revolution requirement at that time that all state societies were to be subordinate to the New York Society. History The SAR traces its origins to late‑19th‑century hereditary and patriotic movements and developed into a national organization with state societies and local chapters. Its history includes early organizational debates, federal recognition, and participation in major national commemorations. The earliest hereditary society formed to honor the Patriots of the American Revolution was the Sons of Revolutionary Sires (SRS), founded in San Francisco on July 4, 1876, during the Centennial celebrations of the Declaration of Independence. The SRS brought together descendants of Revolutionary War participants who wished to commemorate the nation's founding and preserve the memory of those who supported American independence. When the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) was established in 1889, the SRS affiliated with the new national organization and reorganized as the California Society of the SAR, a continuity noted in early SAR Yearbooks. A separate lineage society, the Sons of the Revolution (SR), had been founded earlier in New York City on February 22, 1876, by John Austin Stevens. Stevens envisioned an exclusive hereditary society modeled on the Society of the Cincinnati, with centralized authority vested in the New York society. In 1889, William Osborn McDowell, a New Jersey businessman and civic leader, attempted to organize a New Jersey branch of the SR. McDowell objected to the SR's requirement that all state societies remain subordinate to New York and advocated instead for a national, broadly accessible organization of descendants of Revolutionary patriots. On April 30, 1889, the centennial of George Washington's first inauguration, McDowell organized the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution at Fraunces Tavern in New York City and became its first registered member. Later that same year, McDowell collaborated with six women to establish the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), creating parallel lineage organizations for men and women descended from Revolutionary‑era figures. Early State Societies In the months surrounding the formation of the National Society, state‑level societies were organized rapidly across the country. Several had already been established prior to the national founding—including California, whose lineage traces to the Sons of Revolutionary Sires (1876)—while others formed in the weeks and months that followed. Early SAR publications, including Historical Notes of the Sons of the American Revolution (1890), record the following state societies and their dates of organization: Federal charter On June 9, 1906, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution received a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. The act was signed by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who was himself a member of the Society. Membership Membership in the society is open to any male of "good repute" who can prove lineal bloodline descent from an ancestor who actively supported the American Revolution. Acceptable ancestors include: military veterans of the American Revolutionary War, including those who served in the Continental Army, Continental Navy, and state militias and navies signers of the Declaration of Independence members of the Continental Congress civilians who provided arms or supplies to the American cause people who served on political bodies supporting the American Revolution, signed oaths of allegiance, or those who gave similar support to the Patriot cause Soldiers and sailors from allied nations such as France and Spain who fought in support of American independence. No state society or chapter may discriminate against an applicant on the basis of race or creed. The Sons of the American Revolution claims a membership of over 37,000 members in over 550 chapters representing all 50 states in the United States, as well as societies in Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Overall, more than 200,000 descendants have been admitted since the founding of the S.A.R. in 1890. Membership history Membership in the SAR has grown steadily since the Society's founding in 1889, with totals regularly reported in early Official Bulletins, annual Proceedings, and later congressional documents. Early twentieth‑century reports show the Society expanding as state societies and local chapters were established across the country. In 1900, the SAR reported approximately 4,000 members nationwide, reflecting the early growth of state societies and the establishment of chapters in major cities. By 1925, membership had increased to more than 10,000, coinciding with the sesquicentennial commemorations and expanded public programming. Mid‑century Proceedings record continued growth, with membership exceeding 20,000 by the early 1960s as new chapters were chartered and genealogical interest increased. A 2006 act of Congress amending the SAR's federal charter noted that the Society had “more than 27,000 members” at the time. Recent press coverage places membership at approximately 34,000, with more than 550 chapters in the United States and abroad. These figures reflect long‑term organizational growth and the expansion of genealogical, educational, and commemorative programs across national, state, and chapter levels. Organization The SAR is organized as a national membership society with a multi‑tiered structure consisting of the National Society, regional districts, state societies, and local chapters. Governance is exercised through elected officers, a board of trustees, and standing committees. National Society The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution serves as the governing body for the organization and oversees national programs, publications, membership standards, and coordination among state societies. It is led by a President General, elected annually at the National Congress, along with a slate of national officers and an executive committee responsible for administrative and strategic functions. The National Society maintains the SAR Genealogical Research Library, the Education Center and Museum, and national headquarters operations in Louisville, Kentucky. Districts Districts serve as intermediate administrative groupings of state societies and provide regional coordination for SAR activities. Each district consists of several neighboring state societies and is overseen by a Vice President General elected at the National Congress. Districts facilitate communication between the National Society and state societies, support regional events and Color Guard activities, and assist with leadership development and organizational planning. International societies are also assigned to district-level oversight for purposes of representation and governance. State societies State societies constitute the primary administrative units of the SAR and exist in all fifty states. Each state society is chartered by the National Society and operates under its own bylaws while adhering to national membership standards and program guidelines. State societies coordinate statewide educational programs, historical commemorations, Color Guard activities, and youth scholarship contests. They also serve as the approving authority for membership applications before they are forwarded to the National Society for final verification. In addition to its state-level organizations, the SAR charters several international societies that function at an equivalent administrative level. These include the France Society, Germany Society, United Kingdom Society, and other overseas societies that support SAR members residing abroad and promote Revolutionary-era historical education in their respective regions. International societies participate in national programs, submit delegates to the National Congress, and maintain partnerships with local historical institutions and expatriate communities. Local chapters Local chapters form the grassroots level of the SAR and conduct most member-facing activities, including community outreach, historical presentations, grave-marking ceremonies, and partnerships with schools and veterans’ organizations. Chapters are organized geographically within each state society and are led by elected officers who manage programs, meetings, and local initiatives. Many chapters maintain relationships with local historical societies, museums, and civic groups to promote Revolutionary-era education and preservation. National Congress The National Congress is the annual governing assembly of the SAR and serves as the organization's highest decision-making body. Delegates from state societies convene to elect national officers, adopt resolutions, amend bylaws, and receive reports from committees and national programs. The Congress rotates among host cities across the United States and includes historical tours, commemorative events, and educational presentations related to the American Revolution. Proceedings of the Congress are published annually and serve as the official record of organizational governance. The Sons of the American Revolution hosts two Leadership Meetings and one National Congress every year. The two leadership meetings are held in the Spring and Fall in Louisville, KY at the Brown Hotel. The National Congress is held at a different location every year during the Summer; recent locations include: Renton, Washington (2021), Savannah, Georgia (2022), Orlando, Florida (2023), Lancaster, Pennsylvania (2024), Uncasville, Connecticut (2025), and Greensboro, North Carolina (2026). Committees The National Society maintains a structured system of standing and special committees responsible for administering programs, overseeing governance, and supporting the organization's educational and historical mission. Committees operate under authority granted by the National Society's bylaws and report annually to the National Congress through written reports and presentations. Standing committees oversee core organizational functions, including membership review, genealogical standards, finance, budget, communications, historical sites and celebrations, museum operations, and library development. Program-focused committees administer national youth contests, awards for public service, Color Guard coordination, veterans support initiatives, and educational outreach activities. Special committees may be appointed by the President General to address emerging needs, long-term planning, or specific projects such as technology modernization, strategic development, or major commemorative events. Committee membership typically includes representatives from state societies, subject-matter experts, and national officers, ensuring broad participation in organizational governance and program administration. State societies and local chapters also maintain committees as appropriate to support their own programs, events, and administrative needs, reflecting the decentralized structure of the SAR and its emphasis on local initiative within national guidelines. Governance The governance of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is established through its Constitution and Bylaws, which define the authority of national officers, the responsibilities of committees, and the relationship between the National Society, districts, state societies, and local chapters. The National Society is led by a President General, elected annually at the National Congress, who serves as the chief executive officer and presides over meetings of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees. National officers include the President General, Vice Presidents General, Secretary General, Treasurer General, Chancellor General, Genealogist General, Historian General, Librarian General, Registrar General, Surgeon General, and Chaplain General. These officers oversee administrative functions, membership verification, financial management, historical programming, and the maintenance of national facilities. Vice Presidents General represent the SAR's regional districts and serve as liaisons between the National Society and state societies. The Board of Trustees functions as the principal governing body between sessions of the National Congress. It is composed of national officers, past Presidents General, and elected trustees from state societies, and is responsible for approving budgets, overseeing national programs, and implementing policies adopted by the Congress. The Executive Committee, a smaller body consisting of key national officers, manages day‑to‑day operations and addresses urgent matters requiring action between meetings of the Board of Trustees. Governance at the state and chapter levels follows a parallel structure. State societies elect their own presidents and officers, maintain bylaws consistent with national standards, and oversee committees responsible for membership, programs, and historical activities. Local chapters elect officers and administer community‑level programs, educational outreach, and commemorative events. This multi‑tiered governance model allows the SAR to coordinate national initiatives while preserving local autonomy and encouraging broad participation across its membership. SAR Foundation The SAR Foundation is the nonprofit charitable arm of the National Society and supports the educational, historical, and preservation initiatives of the SAR. Established to provide a structured mechanism for philanthropic contributions, the Foundation manages fundraising activities, administers grants, and oversees endowments that assist national programs such as historical research, youth contests, educational outreach, and preservation of Revolutionary‑era materials. The Foundation operates as a separate 501(c)(3) entity with its own board of trustees and financial reporting requirements, consistent with federal regulations governing charitable organizations. Funds raised by the Foundation support initiatives including the SAR Museum and Education Center, scholarly programs such as the SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution, and grants to state societies and chapters for educational and commemorative projects. Although closely affiliated with the National Society, the Foundation functions independently in its financial administration and governance, ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards while advancing the SAR's mission through educational and historical programming. Programs and activities The SAR conducts a wide range of educational, commemorative, genealogical, and public‑service programs at the national, state, and chapter levels. These activities support the Society's mission to promote patriotism, preserve Revolutionary‑era history, and encourage civic engagement. Youth contests and scholarships The SAR sponsors several national youth contests designed to encourage the study of American history, civic responsibility, and patriotic themes. Major programs include the Knight Essay Contest, the Video Contest, the Orations Contest, the Poster Contest, the Brochure Contest, and the Eagle Scout Scholarship program. State societies and local chapters administer preliminary rounds, with national winners recognized at the annual National Congress. These contests form one of the Society's most visible educational outreach efforts and regularly attract participation from schools, scouting organizations, and community groups. Historical commemorations Historical commemorations are a central component of SAR activity. Chapters and state societies conduct ceremonies marking Revolutionary War battle anniversaries, patriot grave dedications, and historical site recognitions. Many events are held in partnership with local historical societies, museums, and government agencies. The National Society participates in major national observances, including Independence Day commemorations, Constitution Day programs, and events honoring Revolutionary War veterans and patriots. The society is active in promoting "patriotism", and was instrumental in the establishment of Constitution Day. National commemorations For four major national anniversaries—the centennial in 1876, the sesquicentennial in 1926, the bicentennial in 1976, and the semiquincentennial in 2026—Congress created commissions to coordinate nationwide celebrations of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The SAR has participated in each of these commemorative periods through historical research, public ceremonies, educational programs, and collaboration with civic and patriotic organizations. During the 1926 sesquicentennial, SAR chapters and state societies organized public commemorations, historical pageants, and patriotic observances marking the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Contemporary newspaper coverage noted the involvement of hereditary and patriotic societies, including SAR members, in local and regional celebrations. Many events were conducted jointly with veterans’ organizations and historical societies, reflecting the Society's expanding role in public historical interpretation during the early twentieth century. The SAR played an active role in the 1976 bicentennial, supporting national and local celebrations coordinated by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. Chapters conducted grave‑marking programs, Color Guard appearances, and educational outreach in schools and museums. Veterans’ organizations documented joint commemorations with lineage societies, including SAR participation in bicentennial ceremonies, parades, and memorial observances. Academic studies of bicentennial activities also noted the involvement of hereditary societies in public programming and historical interpretation. For the 2026 semiquincentennial, the SAR participates in America 250, contributing historical research, genealogical documentation, and program development through state‑level and chapter‑level America 250 committees. These efforts include supporting local commemorations, assisting partner organizations, and expanding public access to Revolutionary‑era history as part of the nationwide anniversary observance. Color Guard The SAR Color Guard is one of the organization's most recognizable public‑facing programs. Members appear in period attire at parades, historical ceremonies, educational events, and civic observances. Color Guard units exist at the chapter, state, district, and national levels, with the National Color Guard participating in significant national commemorations and representing the Society at major public events. The program emphasizes historical interpretation, public education, and ceremonial protocol. Veterans support The SAR maintains programs dedicated to supporting veterans and active‑duty military personnel. Chapters conduct outreach to veterans’ homes, participate in Wreaths Across America, and present awards recognizing service and achievement within the armed forces. The Society also administers awards for ROTC and JROTC cadets, encouraging leadership, citizenship, and academic excellence among young military students. Educational outreach Educational outreach is conducted through classroom presentations, teacher workshops, historical exhibits, and partnerships with schools and libraries. Many chapters provide educational materials on the American Revolution, sponsor essay and oration contests, and collaborate with educators to promote the study of early American history. The National Society's Education Center and Museum supports these efforts by offering exhibits, interpretive programs, and digital resources. Genealogical and historical research The SAR promotes genealogical research through its Genealogical Research Library, publications, and support for members documenting Revolutionary War ancestry. The Society collaborates with genealogical organizations, national archives, and historical institutions to preserve records and encourage scholarly study of Revolutionary‑era individuals and events. Research initiatives also support the verification of patriot service and the preservation of historical documentation. The Sons of the American Revolution petitioned Congress to store Revolutionary era documents in a fire-proof area and make them available to the public, leading to the creation of the National Archives. The National Society sponsors the SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution, an academic conference established to advance scholarly research on the Revolutionary era. Hosted by the SAR Foundation, the conference brings together historians, researchers, and educators for presentations, panel discussions, and publication‑focused collaboration on emerging scholarship related to the American Revolution. Conference proceedings and associated publications contribute to the Society's broader efforts to support historical inquiry and promote public understanding of the Revolution. Partners in Patriotism The SAR participates in the Partners in Patriotism program, a national initiative that encourages collaboration with other patriotic, civic, educational, and veterans’ organizations. Through this program, chapters and state societies work with groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Children of the American Revolution, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Wounded Warriors, Scouting America, and local historical societies to promote public understanding of the American Revolution and support community service activities. Partners in Patriotism activities include joint commemorations, wreath‑laying ceremonies, historical presentations, youth program sponsorships, and veterans’ outreach initiatives. Collaborative events often take place at historic sites, cemeteries, schools, and civic venues, reflecting the program's emphasis on public engagement and shared patriotic purpose. Many SAR chapters maintain ongoing relationships with partner organizations, coordinating annual observances such as Constitution Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, and local Revolutionary War anniversaries. The program also supports veterans’ initiatives through cooperation with organizations such as Wounded Warriors, which frequently partners with lineage and civic groups to support injured service members and promote public awareness of military sacrifice. These partnerships broaden the reach of SAR programs and strengthen connections between lineage societies, veterans’ groups, and community organizations working to preserve Revolutionary‑era history and promote civic awareness. Patriot Research System The SAR Patriot Research System (PRS) is a centralized, publicly accessible database maintained by the National Society to document Revolutionary War patriots and the genealogical lines of SAR members. The system contains verified service records, biographical summaries, lineage information, and supporting documentation submitted through SAR membership applications and supplemental records. The PRS serves as a research tool for historians, genealogists, educators, and prospective members seeking to identify Revolutionary War patriots and confirm lines of descent. Entries include details on military, civil, and patriotic service, along with references to archival sources, pension files, muster rolls, and state records. The system is continually expanded as new applications are approved and as historical research clarifies or updates existing patriot information. The PRS also supports the Society's educational mission by providing curated biographies, service summaries, and historical context for thousands of patriots. Many state societies and chapters encourage members to submit expanded biographies, source citations, and historical narratives to improve the accuracy and completeness of the database. The system is integrated with SAR genealogical initiatives and is used extensively in youth programs, historical commemorations, and public outreach. Awards and recognitions The SAR administers a broad system of awards recognizing public service, historical scholarship, civic achievement, and contributions to the preservation of American history. Awards are presented to educators, public officials, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans, and community leaders. Many awards are administered at the chapter and state levels, with national awards conferred at the National Congress. These programs support the Society's mission to promote patriotism, honor public service, and encourage historical awareness. In addition to awards presented to members of the general public, the SAR maintains an extensive system of internal recognitions for its own members at the chapter, state, district, and national levels. These awards acknowledge service to the Society, leadership, historical research, Color Guard participation, and contributions to organizational growth. Major awards include the Minuteman Medal, the Patriot Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Roger Sherman Commendation Medal, and the Henry Knox Achievement Medal, each recognizing different levels of sustained service and achievement within the SAR. The Society's award structure follows a standardized hierarchy in which national‑level awards are issued as gold medals, district‑level awards are silver medals bearing a silver star, state‑level awards are silver medals, and chapter‑level awards are bronze medals. State societies and chapters also confer their own awards, such as chapter medals of service, certificates of appreciation, and recognitions for program leadership, committee work, and community outreach. This multi‑tiered awards structure encourages participation across all levels of the organization and highlights the diverse contributions of SAR members to the Society's mission. Headquarters and facilities The national headquarters of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is located at 809 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky, along the city's Museum Row. The facility houses the organization's administrative offices and the SAR Genealogical Research Library, which maintains and expands collections related to Revolutionary War genealogy and history. The headquarters is also the planned site of the SAR Education Center and Museum, an initiative intended to support educational, historical, and patriotic programming. The library and museum collections include original and reproduction artwork depicting Revolutionary War figures and events, as well as uniforms, flags, documents, and other colonial‑era artifacts. The SAR's national governance consists of ten national officers, fifteen vice presidents general who oversee regional districts, and trustees elected from each state and international society. These officers meet multiple times each year to conduct the business of the society. Trustees convene twice annually at the Louisville headquarters during the Spring Leadership Meeting (March) and Fall Leadership Meeting (September), where committee reports and the national budget are considered. All SAR members may attend leadership meetings and may be appointed to committees, though only national officers, vice presidents general, and trustees may vote. The SAR also holds an annual National Congress, typically in late June or early July, at rotating locations throughout the United States. Congress sessions include the election of national officers, consideration of constitutional amendments, and other national business. Locations are often selected to commemorate significant events in American or SAR history. More than 60 standing and special committees support the society's work in areas such as genealogy, library operations, education, facilities, awards, and merchandise. Committee members are appointed by the President General for one‑year terms and may be reappointed without term limits. The current President General is William A. Greenly of the Georgia Society, elected at the 136th National Congress in Greensboro, North Carolina. The organization's Executive Director is Phil Bloyd. Genealogical library The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has held a collection of genealogical reference dating back to 1889. Materials were originally kept by the Secretary General or Registrar General up until 1926, when the materials were moved to the Registrar General's office in Washington, D.C., in 1927, this collection was moved to the recently purchased Sixteenth Street Headquarters Building, and the collection had grown to 914 books by 1933. From this point until the move of Headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Louisville, Kentucky, the book collection grew at a rapid pace, growing to approximately 25,000 items by 1988. At this point, the Library was on the Second floor of the Headquarters building on South Fourth Street, and possessed a 544-square-foot vault for books not out in the library due to space. Because of continuing growth, the Sons of the American Revolution Library was moved in 2010 to a renovated building on West Main Street in the heart of the Historic Museum District of downtown Louisville. By this point, the Library collection had grown to over 58,000 items, mostly covering the Revolutionary War period, but also containing other genealogical materials. The library collection includes family histories, state genealogy materials, federal censuses, Revolutionary War pension applications, and CD collections, and the library separates materials based on State. The library also provides access to online research databases, including Ancestry.com, Footnote.com, and Heritage Quest Online. It was supported by several other patriotic societies, including the Society of American Wars and the United States Daughters of 1812. The Daughters of the American Revolution stocked it in its library and even considered merging it with another of its own magazines. It ceased publication in 1906. Education center and museum The SAR maintains the SAR Genealogical Research Library and the developing SAR Education Center and Museum at its national headquarters in Louisville. The Education Center and Museum is a long‑term initiative of the SAR Foundation designed to expand public access to Revolutionary War history through curated exhibits, educational programming, and interactive installations. According to the SAR Foundation, the center will include galleries interpreting the causes, events, and legacy of the American Revolution, as well as spaces dedicated to genealogy, patriot biographies, and youth education. The museum collection includes original and reproduction artwork, uniforms, flags, documents, and other colonial‑era items related to Revolutionary War history. These materials support the society's mission to preserve and interpret the history of the American Revolution and the patriots who fought for independence. State‑level facilities Although most state societies do not own property, the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has owned and maintained the historic War Office in Lebanon, Connecticut, since 1891. The building served as the headquarters of the Connecticut Council of Safety during the American Revolution and is operated by the Society as a museum. Publications The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (National SAR) maintains a continuous record of its genealogical lineages, institutional history, and regional activities through several iterations of its official national publication. What is known today as The SAR Magazine began in 1906 and has evolved through four major branding eras, supplemented by independent and local periodicals. . Today, SAR Magazine remains one of the longest‑running hereditary society publications in the United States. Flagship publication history Official Bulletin of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (1906–1923): Launched in 1906, the Official Bulletin served as the primary record for transactions of the general officers, national trustees, and executive committees. It was responsible for tracking regional chapter activities, member obituaries, and indexing newly approved application lineages. The Minute Man (1923–1930): In December 1923, the national society rebranded the periodical as The Minute Man, though it retained Official Bulletin as a subtitle on its masthead. This era expanded the publication's scope to include more historical scholarship, focus on patriotic education, and coverage of national congresses. The Sons of the American Revolution Magazine (1930–1967): The title was simplified in 1930 to explicitly align with the corporate identity of the organization, maintaining its standard quarterly distribution format. The SAR Magazine (1967–present): The modern, quarterly flagship color magazine contains peer-reviewed historical features on the American Revolutionary War, updates on the SAR Patriotic Research System, state society and chapter news, and national leadership initiatives. Allied and regional publications The Spirit of ‘76 (1894–1906): While not owned or managed as an in-house corporate publication of the SAR, this independent historical monthly magazine operated as the dominant news vehicle and public organ for the SAR, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and other hereditary organizations during their formative periods. State Society Bulletins: Many state-level societies publish standalone journals and newsletters to coordinate state committee and local chapter actions, such as the Virginia SAR Bulletin and the Texas Society SAR Bulletin. Although SAR Magazine has not received trade or industry awards, it is regularly cited in library and periodical directories as a membership publication focused on historical, genealogical, and organizational content. The magazine is indexed in standard periodical reference sources and is distributed to members of the Society as part of its quarterly publication program. Symbols and insignia The insignia of the SAR incorporates symbols associated with the American Revolution and the Society's historical identity. The official emblem consists of a Maltese cross with a central medallion depicting a Minuteman surrounded by the Society's name and founding date. This design, adopted in the late nineteenth century, reflects the influence of contemporary patriotic and hereditary organizations that employed heraldic imagery in their membership badges. The SAR membership badge is suspended from a ribbon of blue and buff, colors historically associated with the Continental Army's uniform facings. Members may wear the badge on formal occasions, while a smaller rosette in the same colors is commonly worn on civilian attire. Officer insignia incorporate variations of the badge with additional devices or ribbon distinctions indicating national, state, district, or chapter office. The Society also maintains an official flag featuring the SAR emblem on a field of blue and buff. The flag is used at national meetings, state society events, and public ceremonies, including Color Guard appearances and commemorative observances. Many state societies and chapters maintain their own flags or banners incorporating local heraldic elements or state symbols. Color Guard members wear period attire representing Continental Line, militia, or other Revolutionary‑era units, often accompanied by SAR insignia on sashes, gorgets, or accoutrements. These uniforms are used for ceremonial purposes and public commemorations rather than reenactment, reflecting the Society's role in historical interpretation and patriotic observance. The design of the membership badge draws inspiration from the cross of the Order of St. Louis, a French military decoration created under King Louis XVI. The SAR adopted this form in recognition of France's support for the American Revolution, particularly the military assistance provided to the Continental Army. Surrounding the central medallion are the words “Libertas et Patria,” a motto referencing the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The insignia is normally worn suspended by a ribbon of blue, white, and buff on the wearer's left breast. National officers and former state and chapter presidents may wear the insignia suspended from a neck ribbon in the Society's colors, while the rosette is worn on the left lapel on less formal occasions. The SAR's medal system, described in the Awards and recognitions section, follows a standardized hierarchy of gold, silver, and bronze medals corresponding to national, district, state, and chapter levels. These medals incorporate the Society's emblem and ribbon colors, maintaining consistency with the broader insignia tradition. In accordance with the Society's protocol, full‑size SAR medals are typically worn on suits or sport coats during semi‑formal or organizational events. For formal evening attire, including black‑tie occasions, members wear miniature medals mounted on a bar in place of full‑size decorations. These conventions parallel the practices of other hereditary and patriotic societies and reflect long‑standing norms for civilian wear of organizational insignia. Leadership The national leadership of the SAR consists of elected officers, a board of trustees, and various national committees responsible for administering the Society's programs, governance, and strategic direction. Officers are elected annually at the National Congress and serve one‑year terms, with eligibility and duties defined in the SAR Constitution and Bylaws. The principal national officers include the President General, Vice Presidents General, Secretary General, Treasurer General, Chancellor General, Genealogist General, Historian General, Librarian General, Surgeon General, Chaplain General, and Registrar General. The President General serves as the chief executive officer of the Society, presiding over the National Congress, leadership meetings, and meetings of the board of trustees. Vice Presidents General oversee the SAR's regional districts, providing coordination among state societies and representing their districts on the board. Other general officers supervise specific administrative and programmatic areas, including finance, membership, genealogy, historical interpretation, archives, and ceremonial functions. The board of trustees, composed of national officers, Vice Presidents General, and designated representatives from state societies, manages the Society's affairs between National Congresses. It meets at the Spring and Fall Leadership Meetings in Louisville, Kentucky, where trustees review committee reports, approve budgets, and consider policy matters. Numerous standing and special committees support the work of the board by overseeing programs such as membership, youth contests, historical research, veterans’ outreach, education, and national events. State societies and local chapters maintain parallel leadership structures, with elected officers responsible for administering programs at their respective levels. State presidents coordinate activities among chapters, represent their societies at national meetings, and participate in regional district operations. Chapter presidents and officers manage local initiatives, meetings, and community outreach. This multi‑tiered leadership structure enables coordination across national, regional, state, and local levels while supporting the Society's mission to preserve and promote the history of the American Revolution. List of SAR presidents general All General Officers, including those elected as President General, serve without compensation in such capacities. In popular culture The Sons of the American Revolution has appeared in a variety of cultural and media contexts related to genealogy, historical memory, and the legacy of the American Revolution. The Society and its activities have been referenced in major newspapers, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, particularly in coverage of historical commemorations, Color Guard appearances, and patriotic observances. SAR members and research materials have been featured in several documentary programs on the American Revolution, including productions associated with Ken Burns, state historical societies, and public television affiliates. The Society's role in genealogical verification has also been noted in popular genealogy media, including episodes of Who Do You Think You Are? and related publications. Themes associated with hereditary lineage societies, patriotic service, and Revolutionary‑era preservation—central to the SAR's mission—have been discussed in commentary surrounding films such as National Treasure (2004), which explore the cultural fascination with the nation's founding documents and historical artifacts. See also List of hereditary and lineage organizations in the United States List of Members of the Sons of the American Revolution Daughters of the American Revolution Children of the American Revolution Notes References External links Media related to Sons of the American Revolution at Wikimedia Commons Official website