What We Do
Supporting our Community Members
We support our community by hosting commemorative events and acknowledging members of the community who are doing commendable works that support our organizations ideals, such as citizenship and patriotism.
Among those recognized are Boy Scouts, secondary school oration, essays, and history students, ROTC/JROTC cadets, school teachers, police, fire and other emergency responders.
Commemorative Events
Pictured are members of the Williamsburg Chapter SAR at the Memorial Day ceremonies held annually at Colonial Williamsburg to honor those patriots who gave their lives during the Revolutionary War. During the ceremonies wreaths are laid at the graves behind the Govenor’s Palace, at Bruton Parish Church, and at the French Soldier’s cemetery near the Williamsburg Inn.
We help the community celebrate many patriotic events including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Yorktown Day, and Veterans Day just to name a few. Several commemorations of key battles of the Revolutionary War are celebrated as well, and we participate in patriotic events with other SAR chapters.
Monthly Chapter Luncheon Meetings
We get together each month out of the year except December to socialize with our fellow compatriots, listen to guest speakers, and address chapter activities. See the EVENTS page for more information.
Speaker’s Bureau
Speakers from the Williamsburg chapter are available to make presentations to schools, community groups and civic organizations on a variety of topics. We have made presentations to a variety of ages and audiences from elementary school to high school, scout troops and adult audiences. We are available to schools for colonial days, veteran’s assemblies and classroom presentations and provide speakers for historical and genealogy societies, community groups and other organizations.
A Sample of Topics Include the Following:
• Historic American Flags
• The Proper Care and Display of the American Flag
• The SAR: Who We Are and What We Do
• Finding and Proving Your Revolutionary War Ancestor
• Select Topics on the History of the Revolutionary War in Virginia
If you are interested in arranging a speaker or presentation, you may contact the Chapter Speaker’s Bureau Chairman for specifics and availability. (757) 869-6303
National History
NSSAR for over 100 years
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was organized on April 30, 1889 — the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as our nation’s first President. We have used the acronym SAR to identify ourselves for over 100 years.
Act of US Congress, June 9, 1906
The SAR was conceived as a fraternal and civic society composed of lineal descendants of the men who wintered at Valley Forge, signed the Declaration of Independence, fought in the battles of the American Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, or otherwise supported the cause of American Independence. The National Society was chartered by an Act of the United States Congress on June 9, 1906.
Chapter History
1969 – Application of Charter at VASSAR Annual Meeting
Application for a Williamsburg Chapter charter was made at the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Annual meeting on February 22, 1969, in Richmond. VA. On April 15, 1969 we received our charter having at that time 11 members, 15 applicants processing papers and 23 prospects. Out of this small band of men has grown an active and viable chapter of today with a membership strength approaching 200 members.