The three objectives of the NSDAR are the same now as they were when the Society was organized on October 11, 1890.
Education: to carry out the injunction of George Washington in his farewell address to the American people, “to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion…” Activities include:
- Tutoring in our community schools
- Supporting five DAR schools, as well as our community schools, through chapter and member donations and service
- Providing scholarships and awards to outstanding students in our community through two chapter scholarships
- Promoting education and citizenship through youth programs such as Children of the American Revolution, DAR Good Citizens, and Junior American Citizens
- Children of the American Revolution exposes our youth to the importance of history, patriotism, and education
- DAR Good Citizens recognizes the best all-around senior member of each participating high school
- Junior American Citizens serves to teach children about the government and principles of being a good citizen
- Sponsoring American history essay contests in our community middle schools for students in grades five through eight, and the Christopher Columbus essay contest for high schoolers
Historic preservation: to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence. Activities include:
- Transcribing and indexing genealogical information to preserve these records for the future
- Restoring and maintaining historical objects, such as a green vase at the Ford Fairlane in Dearborn, Michigan
- Locating, researching, and marking American Revolutionary War Patriot and spouses gravesites and headstones within our community
- The chapter has marked eight gravesites and make an annual pilgrimage to honor these individuals (see Patriots)
- Preserving genealogical records by collecting and transcribing unpublished records to contribute to the DAR Library collection
Patriotism: to cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty. Activities include:
- Providing countless hours of volunteer time annually to veterans projects locally
- Sponsoring veteran and active-duty military personnel by sending care packages with snacks, supplying phone and gas cards to VA hospitals, and fulfilling organization wish lists with donations
- Kicking off Constitution Week (September 17-23) by participating in Bells Across America, and encouraging local schools and libraries to educate the public on the Constitution
- Participating in naturalization ceremonies
- Presenting awards to deserving individuals who stand out among their peers for their exceptional patriotism
- DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal was recently presented to the late Harold Lanning for his love of service and continued service to his country
- Community Service award has been presented to the Pallbearer Ministry at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Detroit, Michigan