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Hi! I'm Denyse Allen, Founder of PA Ancestors

The DAR Library is closing. Here's how to get there before it does.

Published 6 months ago • 2 min read

PAancestors.com​

What the closing of the DAR Library means for you

Hello Reader!

I just returned from a research trip to Washington D.C. and need to let you know something urgent - The Daughters of the American Revolution Library in Washington, D.C. is closing in July for a multi-year renovation.

The entire collection of over 225,000 books is being moved offsite. The historic reading room is getting a full restoration of its plasterwork, skylights, floors, and shelving. When it reopens, it will be at least a year from now, maybe more.

I just spent two days researching there. I walked in with four DAR applications, a list of specific records to find, and a plan for every hour. I walked out with answers I could not have gotten any other way.

I wrote up everything I learned about researching at the DAR Library so you can make the most of a trip before the doors close.

The full guide covers:

  • How to get there (parking is a problem; here's what works)
  • What happens at security and how to enter the building
  • How the collection is organized by state in open stacks you can browse
  • How the six GRS computers work for previewing lineage applications before you pay $15 to print them
  • The Revolution in Their Words exhibit for America's 250th
  • What to bring, what not to bring, and how to prepare before your trip

The Library is free. No membership required. Open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Through the end of June.

​Read the full guide on PA Ancestors →​

If you are planning a trip for your Pennsylvania research, two resources to help you:

Free download:Revolutionary War Ancestor Research Checklist — Every major record type for Rev War research, with exactly where to find each one.

Thank you for making this book #1 in Genealogy New Releases!:The Revolutionary War Writing Workbook — Turn your Revolutionary War research into a story your family will read. 17 chapters, 19 AI prompts, every kind of Revolutionary experience. $19.99 paperback / $9.99 Kindle.

Happy researching!

Denyse Allen

Founder, PA Ancestors

P.S. One more thing: If you want live help turning your Rev War research into a story, I'm running a 3-Day Starter Sprint, June 2-4. Three days, small group, live coaching. You'll walk out with an opening section written and a plan to finish before July 4. Details and registration at the link below.

​Register for the June Starter Sprint →​

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Hi! I'm Denyse Allen, Founder of PA Ancestors

I help genealogists research their ancestors in Pennsylvania through books, workshops, and a membership community.

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