Nestled among the large-scale, internationally important monuments in Washington that center on the nation's governmental functions are lesser-known but equally important establishments that document the early history of America. One of these establishments is the DAR, or Daughters of the American Revolution, Museum. The Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization that was originally founded in 1890 by women who wished to preserve American history and encourage patriotism.
The headquarters of this organization is the home of the DAR Museum, and it also houses a library and concert hall. The museum is a small one, but full of interesting items, many of which attest to America's pre-Industrial Revolution period. Antique lovers will fall in love with the place. There are over 30,000 exhibit pieces that relate to decorative and fine arts, as well as silver, furniture, textiles, like quilts and costumes, and ceramics. These collections are spread out among two galleries and around 31 period rooms.
The period rooms are decorated to illustrate different time periods in different regions, and include a room from an adobe house and a toy-filled attic. Besides the toy- and doll-filled attic, kids also love the "touch area", which contains games, reproductions, antique books and period clothes. Another big hit with children are the "Colonial Adventure" tours, where tour guides dressed in period costumes use exhibit items to explain everyday life in pre-1830 America. Temporary exhibits are also hosted here, such as the "Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Service in the Revolutionary War", which documents the efforts made by African American and American Indians in the American Revolution. Visitors who especially enjoy the museum will love to take advantage of the DAR Museum Gift Shop.
