American Battlefield Trust Joins Forces with Daughters of the American Revolution

(Washington, D.C.) — American independence was not pre-ordained. It was won on the battlefield by brave volunteers willing to sacrifice everything for an ideal, a hope and the promise of liberty. Now, as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution are uniting to seek out powerful ways to remember the valor of that founding generation.

“Our two organizations, working individually, have accomplished much,” said Trust President David Duncan. “By joining forces during the America 250 celebration, we can create an enduring legacy that inspires long after the anniversary has ended. Together, we will develop new and meaningful ways to tell the compelling stories of the people who forged America.”

The collaboration, first previewed to state and regional DAR leaders during the recent National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress, is two-fold. First, the organizations pledged to work with the National Park Service to secure the protection of an additional 2,500 acres of Revolutionary War battlefield land by the end of the anniversary commemoration, creating places to remember the ordinary citizen soldiers who built this nation. The battlefields targeted are among the most famous in American history: Brandywine, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, Saratoga and Yorktown.

Further, the groups will marry their individual strengths to create a groundbreaking online gateway that brings to life the fascinating people and places of the Revolutionary era. This digital experience will use technology to share these compelling stories with modern audiences, showcasing the diverse viewpoints and experiences of those who witnessed the dawn of American liberty.

“Lending our expertise in the stories of our Patriot ancestors will enrich the Trust’s expertise in crafting compelling 21st-century interpretation materials,” said DAR President General Denise VanBuren. “No organization has a better appreciation for the men and women who achieved American independence than does the DAR – after all, we know the Patriots, their service, their families and their stories.”

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today.  The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 53,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.