DAR Library

06/09/2025

Attention! Due to area road closures, DAR Headquarters, including the DAR Library, will be closed this Saturday, June 14th. If you're planning on visiting on Friday, June 13th, please keep in mind that traffic patterns may already be altered. We will reopen on Monday, June 16th at 8:30 am.

06/06/2025

Did you know the DAR Library offers a daily photo pass to patrons who want to use their cell phones to take pictures of pages in books rather than make paper photocopies? The photo pass is a flat fee of $20 per day with no limit on pictures. If you're not sure about how many photocopies you might be making, you can always start researching and decide if the photo pass is worth it or if you'd prefer to pay for a smaller number of paper copies (which are $0.50 per page). Ask the staff at the reference desk if you have any questions.

06/02/2025

The DAR Library uses a unique system of call words to organize our collections, which can be a little confusing for visitors at first. This video helps explain how call words look in the catalog versus how they appear on the spine of the book on the shelf. (Note: this video has no sound).

05/30/2025

The DAR Library is always in motion - literally! Library staff are constantly shifting books to make room for new additions, bring items out of storage, or make the collection easier to navigate. You can always pick up a paper map at the reference desk, or check out the updated version online here:

05/26/2025

DAR Headquarters, including the DAR Library, is closed today in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on tomorrow, Tuesday May 27th, at 8:30 am.

05/23/2025

DAR Headquarters, including the DAR Library, will be closed Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27th, at 8:30 am.

05/16/2025

Before we set off in the starship Enterprise as part of "Star Trek," the U.S. had success with the U.S.S. Enterprise. On May 18, 1775, Benedict Arnold (who was still on the American side) led a group of soldiers to attack the British shipyard at St. Johns, Quebec, Canada. Among the captured vessels was the British supply ship Enterprise, which was armed and used to defend positions along Lake Champlain. In October 1776, the Enterprise saw service in the Battle of Valcour Island, where Arnold's troops disrupted the attempted British invasion of New York. To learn more about the U.S.S. Enterprise, visit:

 The month of May historically has been an important time for?the USS Enterprise. On May 12, 1938 the USS Enterprise CV-6 was commissioned and on May 18, 1775 the Enterprise I was captured from the

05/14/2025

FYI!

Calling all history buffs and genealogy enthusiasts! Don’t miss this online , featuring a range of topics and perspectives curated by experts from the National Archives.

The series begins TODAY at 1 p.m. ET on the U.S. National Archives YouTube channel. Archivist Molly Kamph will provide a brief history of the Office of Strategic Services (1942-1947), precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Determine if your relative was part of the vast web of spies, informants, or other clandestine agents acting on behalf of the United States.

📽️: Tune in for the broadcasts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May and June: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLugwVCjzrJsUWXku7Y7S5a7LlaHXu2GDT&si=DbUxbXFbB9AnsGtR

🌐: Learn more about the 2025 Genealogy Series and view the schedule: https://www.archives.gov/calendar/genealogy-series/2025

05/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us earlier this week for the 4th Genealogical Research Institute (GRI) at the DAR Library! Did you forget to ask us something while you were in town, forget something in the library, or need to know what a note you took means? Not to worry, you can always reach the DAR Library Staff by emailing [email protected], and we'll be happy to help you answer your questions.

05/05/2025

A very special welcome to those of you attending the 4th Genealogical Research Institute today through Wednesday! Please keep in mind that while the DAR Library will remain open to the public this week, we will have nearly 200 conference attendees in the building, so some services may be unavailable or in high demand.

05/02/2025

If you're coming to the Genealogical Records Institute (GRI) next week, keep in mind that computer time in the Seimes Technology Center or the Library can get competitive. While you can't view GRC pages or Supporting Documentation at home, you can search the GRC Index and the Descendants tab of the GRS. Take advantage of these tools to make a list of records you want to view during Congress before you arrive in D.C.: https://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search/?Tab_ID=0

04/28/2025

Are you planning on making copies from a book or periodical during your visit to the DAR Library? Remember that our copy machines can only accept cash or copy cards - they will destroy credit cards. If you want to use cash in the copy machines, we suggest bringing a supply of quarters and/or small bills. The copy machines give change in quarters, which can get unwieldy if it's giving change for a large bill. If you would prefer to use a copy card in lieu of cash, they can be purchased in $1, $5, $10, or $20 values at the Reference Desk using cash or credit card. Copies are 50 cents per page.