Princeton Chapter, NSDAR
Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton, New Jersey
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In one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolutionary War, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars on the morning of January 3, 1777. American soldiers, pushed back by a strong British assault, were rallied by Washington who rode his horse between the British and American lines, leading his men to his first field victory over British troops. The Battle of Princeton capped ten days of maneuvering and fighting, including three battles, which began with Washington’s famous December 25, 1776 crossing of the Delaware.
Who are the Princeton Chapter, NSDAR, Daughters
Members of the Princeton Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), are women a lot like you. Our common bond is our lineal descent from Patriots of the American Revolutionary War. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove this lineage is eligible to join. For more information about membership in this historic and vibrant organization check out Become a Member on the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution website. We will be pleased to assist you with the membership process and help you find ways to document your lineage.
Princeton Chapter, NSDAR, History
The Princeton Chapter, NSDAR, name honors one of the most historic and well-known towns in the United States. Our location in Princeton, New Jersey, is steeped in history and provides a strong foundation of relevance in our fledgling nation’s beginnings as the location of the Battle of Princeton in 1776-1777. George Washington spent a significant amount of time in Princeton during the American Revolutionary War. First established as Stony Brook, the town was renamed Princeton (after the Prince of Orange) in 1724. The College of New Jersey, today Princeton University, was founded in Elizabeth in 1747 and located permanently in Princeton in 1756.
The victory at Princeton rescued the Patriot cause from one of its darkest hours. The Battle of Princeton, January 1777, was fought within two weeks of George Washington's dramatic winter crossing of the Delaware River at McKonkey's Ferry and the American surprise attack and defeat of British and Hessian troops at Trenton. In 1783, while awaiting ratification of the Peace Treaty with England, Congress convened in Princeton. General and Mrs. Washington resided in nearby Rockingham during this time.
The name "Princeton" reflects deep roots in the cornerstone objectives of the NSDAR which are historic preservation, education and patriotism. We have a heritage of which to be proud, and a challenging future to fulfill.
Organized on January 28, 1893, the Princeton Chapter, NSDAR, is the second oldest chapter in New Jersey. Among distinguished citizens who have made Princeton their home were signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Witherspoon and Richard A. Stockton. Stockton's restored residence, Morven, has served as the New Jersey Governor's mansion and is open today as a museum. Eminent scientist Albert Einstein lived and taught in Princeton. President Grover Cleveland and NSDAR charter member Mrs. Roger A. Pryor are buried in Princeton Cemetery.
Our Founder, Josephine Antoinette Ward Thomson Swann, was the daughter of Congressman Aaron Ward and Mary Lucy Watson, and granddaughter of Elkanah Watson, a messenger during the American Revolutionary War. Watson traveled to France in 1779 to deliver funds and dispatches to Benjamin Franklin. Josephine’s home on Stockton Street, Thomson Hall/Belgrade, was bequeathed to the borough of Princeton upon her death. Josephine died in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 1906, and is buried in the Princeton Cemetery.
The legacy Josephine left remains evident in Princeton today. Thanks to a bequest in honor of her first husband, the Princeton University Graduate College was built as a memorial to Senator John R. Thomson. The portrait of Josephine's grandfather, Elkanah Watson, by American painter John Singleton Copley, graces the halls of the Princeton University Art Museum. Washington's Headquarters at Rockingham still stands as a testament to her drive and determination to preserve the building.
The victory at Princeton rescued the Patriot cause from one of its darkest hours. The Battle of Princeton, January 1777, was fought within two weeks of George Washington's dramatic winter crossing of the Delaware River at McKonkey's Ferry and the American surprise attack and defeat of British and Hessian troops at Trenton. In 1783, while awaiting ratification of the Peace Treaty with England, Congress convened in Princeton. General and Mrs. Washington resided in nearby Rockingham during this time.
The name "Princeton" reflects deep roots in the cornerstone objectives of the NSDAR which are historic preservation, education and patriotism. We have a heritage of which to be proud, and a challenging future to fulfill.
Organized on January 28, 1893, the Princeton Chapter, NSDAR, is the second oldest chapter in New Jersey. Among distinguished citizens who have made Princeton their home were signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Witherspoon and Richard A. Stockton. Stockton's restored residence, Morven, has served as the New Jersey Governor's mansion and is open today as a museum. Eminent scientist Albert Einstein lived and taught in Princeton. President Grover Cleveland and NSDAR charter member Mrs. Roger A. Pryor are buried in Princeton Cemetery.
Our Founder, Josephine Antoinette Ward Thomson Swann, was the daughter of Congressman Aaron Ward and Mary Lucy Watson, and granddaughter of Elkanah Watson, a messenger during the American Revolutionary War. Watson traveled to France in 1779 to deliver funds and dispatches to Benjamin Franklin. Josephine’s home on Stockton Street, Thomson Hall/Belgrade, was bequeathed to the borough of Princeton upon her death. Josephine died in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 1906, and is buried in the Princeton Cemetery.
The legacy Josephine left remains evident in Princeton today. Thanks to a bequest in honor of her first husband, the Princeton University Graduate College was built as a memorial to Senator John R. Thomson. The portrait of Josephine's grandfather, Elkanah Watson, by American painter John Singleton Copley, graces the halls of the Princeton University Art Museum. Washington's Headquarters at Rockingham still stands as a testament to her drive and determination to preserve the building.
Wreath laying ceremony with The Society of the Cincinnati
What We Do
New Jersey Daughters, descendants of ordinary women and men who achieved extraordinary things, share a common bond of ancestry and are proud of their heritage and the role of their ancestors. These Patriots risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in establishing our great country. We honor their sacrifices through the volunteer work of our members in the mission areas of DAR.
PatriotismDAR members volunteer in Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers and non-VA facilities offer support to America’s active-duty service personnel through care packages, sponsor programs promoting the U.S. Constitution, and participate in naturalization ceremonies. Learn more about how DAR members support patriotism.
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EducationDAR members are passionate about education through the promotion of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), DAR Good Citizens, and Junior American Citizens. The National Society and New Jersey State Society DAR also provide scholarships and awards to outstanding students, teachers, and members who work tirelessly to support their local schools. Learn more about how DAR members support education.
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Historic PreservationDAR members support historic preservation efforts through awards, grants, and contests.
Members participate in various projects to help preserve the cultural heritage of the United States, including preserving documents, and buildings, and placing markers at locations of historic significance; most importantly our state house the Isaac Watson House. Learn more about how DAR members support historic preservation. |
Naturalization Ceremony
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Presenting a check to support Wars Memorial Bench, located at the Clarke House on the Princeton Battlefield, and Washington's Rockingham Headquarters.
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Become a Member
Do you have an American Revolutionary War Patriot in your family tree?
Guests and prospective members are warmly welcomed at our meetings. If you are interested in attending, please contact us.
All photos are courtesy of chapter members.