About the Pennsylvania Society
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was organized on April 30, 1889, to "perpetuate the memory of those who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American People."
We decorate the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots. We support excellence in teaching American history. We participate in patriotic observances. We support research and preservation of historic material relating to the men and women who fought or gave service for Independence in the American Revolutionary War. We also participate in the Wreaths Across America program and place wreaths at three National Cemeteries to honor Veterans.
The Pennsylvania Society - SAR was organized in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 23, 1893, with 25
charter members, all from the District of Columbia
Society - since the National headquarters was then
located in Washington, D.C. Colonel William
A. Herron was the first president, serving until 1900.
Nowadays, presidents serve only one year.
By 1902, membership had grown to 378 - and by 2020 has
reached more than 1500. The Pennsylvania Society,
like the other State Societies across the nation, is
authorized to issue chapter charters within the state.
In Pennsylvania, there are now 23 local chapters, plus
an "at large" chapter.
The Society holds quarterly meetings - hosted around the
state in turn by the local chapters - at which
Pennsylvania members and their guests foregather, dine
and get acquainted, and the Compatriots conduct business
of state-wide concern. Medals and awards are
presented to members and other Americans for patriotic
activities and civic services, and donations made to
worthy historical and genealogical projects, associated
with the colonial and Revolutionary period. A
quarterly magazine, The Minuteman,
containing reports and articles, is also published.
The State Society headquarters is moveable, the mailing
address being wherever the State Secretary happens to
reside.
Carl Fletcher
hostmaster@passar.org
