About Us
2023-2025: National Theme: "Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever"
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
Our chapter, one of many in Virginia, was organized December 21, 1925, by Virgie Irvine Todd (Mrs. John W., Jr.), pictured at left. The founding members chose its name to honor the man Colonel Thomas Hughart who was born in 1729 and died in Augusta County, Virginia, in 1810. He was one of the largest landowners of Augusta County and one of its wealthiest citizens. Colonel Hughart served in the capacity of justice of the county or high sheriff almost to the time of his death.
Colonel Hughart received a land grant for his service in the French and Indian War. During the Revolution, he earned the rank of Colonel of the Second Division of Augusta County troops on September 19, 1780. In May 1781, Colonel Hughart and his troops joined the army of General Lafayette in King William County; thus, they became a part of the army which followed Cornwallis in his retreat.
Colonel Hughart and his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Estill Hughart, were buried in the cemetery at Rocky Spring Church, Augusta County, and a monument stands there erected in their memory; our chapter placed a marker at its foot.
In 2021 our chapter continues to strive toward achievement of the same goals and objectives set forth 96 years ago by the founding members as well as those set forth by the newest administration of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Colonel Thomas Hughart Chapter DAR is a caring organization of women devoted to patriotism, preservation of the past, and securing the future of our children. Our chapter and individual members' service activities involve national holiday observances, service to the local veterans' clinic, local school scholarship award, classroom support and activities, flag retirement ceremonies, and other numerous service projects.
If you seek membership in DAR (see membership information on the NSDAR website), and our chapter specifically, let us know by using the Contact Page. You may also learn more about our activities, discover our Patriots, and visit the photo gallery on the additional pages of this website.
Our chapter meetings are held the first Saturday of each month September—December and February—May in various member homes, at historic places of interest, at the Staunton Public Library, or occasionally at a local restaurant.
Interested ladies are welcome at our meetings!
