Who we are, The Sons of the American Revolution

We are the Ithaca, NY Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). The Sons of the American Revolution was organized on April 30, l889 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 6, l906. The charter was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a member of the SAR. This charter authorizes the granting of charters to societies of the various states and territories, additionally authorizing the state societies to charter chapters within their borders. The Finger Lakes Chapter is part of the Empire State Society. (ESSSAR)
Today the SAR consists of 26,000 members in over 470 chapters in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Almost l50,000 descendants of men and women Patriots have been admitted since our founding. SAR members include fourteen presidents of the United States, Brigadier, Lieutenant and five star generals, presidents of several colleges and universities, ambassadors, members of the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate, and Congress. Members include small businessmen, doctors, lawyers, school teachers, CPAs, elected local, state, and federal officials, government employees, all of whom have a deep affection for America, its heritage and institutions.
SAR members answered their country's call in every major American conflict beginning with the battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 up to the present, including Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia and the current actions in Afganistan and Iraq. SAR members have received the highest awards America can bestow, including the Medal of Honor
The affairs of the Society are managed by National Trustees (one each from the several State Societies and International Societies), l5 Regional Vice-Presidents and l0 National (General) Officers. Each year these men meet several times at National Headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky to conduct business. Delegates from all state societies also meet each year for a multi-day session in a different city for an Annual Congress. Over 60 Committees made up of scores of members also meet regularly to discuss, plan and act to achieve the Society's objectives.
For more information, contact Wayne Thurston , Chapter Registrar for more information.