The National Society United States Daughters of 1812 was organized on January 8, 1892, by Flora Adams Darling. The date chosen for the founding was the 77th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, which was the final major battle of the War of 1812. In this battle, American forces defeated British troops who planned to seize New Orleans and America's western lands. The Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war, had been signed on December 24, 1814, but news of the treaty did not reach New Orleans until after this last battle.The Society was incorporated by an act of Congress on February 25, 1901.
Purpose of the Society
The Society promotes patriotism, and preserves and increases historical knowledge. It marks historic sites, encourages the recording of family histories and traditions, celebrates patriotic anniversaries, and supports education about the civil, military and naval life of those who served the United States during the War of 1812. The Society maintains a museum and library at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
1812 Historical House, Library, and Museum
The National Headquarters building in Washington is a three-story Queen Anne style house built in 1884. It was purchased by the Society in 1928, and since then, members have donated books for the library, as well as artifacts and memorabilia for the museum, and have furnished the house with period furniture. In 1992 the Society purchased the late-Victorian house next door. The first floor of this building contains the Library, which emphasizes genealogical research and works on the era of the War of 1812. The second floor contains the 1812 Museum, which is dedicated to the 1784-1815 time period. The flagpole in front of the building is a topgallant mast from the ship "Old Ironsides," as the U.S.S. Constitution is often called.
Organization and Membership
The Society has more than 4,000 members, who are grouped into 42 state societies and 158 chapters. Although membership is by invitation after approval by a chapter or state society, the Society website provides a membership interest form that can be submitted by women who might wish to join.
Like most lineage societies, applicants must provide documentation that includes birth, death, and marriage dates and places of all direct ancestors, as well as proof of relationship between the generations. In addition, documentation must be provided of the war service rendered by the individual upon whom the application is based. Applicants may also hire a professional genealogist to trace ancestors and track down documentation.
Society Projects
Major work of the Society includes promotion of The Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, Old Fort Niagara, and Fort McHenry. The Society also helps to support schools and veterans groups, and sponsors JROTC and ROTC awards and American Flag education. The Society provides reading materials to the American Merchant Marine Library Association, and it supports the preservation of St. Michael and All Angel's Church in England, which was built partly by French prisoners held in England, and partly by American prisoners there during the War of 1812.
Other Lineage Societies for U.S. Historical Events
Those interested in U.S. history may also wish to consider joining this society, as well as other lineage organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the National Society, Colonial Dames of America, or the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Katharine Garstka - Katharine Garstka specializes in genealogical research and in historical and genealogical writing.
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