Elijah Clarke Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution scrapbook collection

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was founded October 1891 in Washington D.C. by a small group of women and men. It was created in direct response to the actions of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), who had voted at their general meeting early that year to exclude women from participating in their organization. The motto of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s motto is “God, Home, and Country.” The organization’s work focuses on historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

A chapter was founded in Athens in 1892 but became inactive by 1895. On October 27, 1900, fifteen women met with the intent to reorganize the chapter. They chose to name the chapter after the Revolutionary hero, Elijah Clarke, and selected Anna Camak to be the first chapter regent for the new entity.

Many of the members have made significant contributions to Athens and the surrounding communities, but two members are famous beyond the local area. Moina Michael helped organize the use of poppies to commemorate fallen soldiers from World War I and May Erwin Talmadge served as President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1944-1947.