The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 1876: Centennial Celebration of Revolution spurs “Sires of Liberty” 1889: Centennial Celebration of the 100 th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as our nation's first President. 1906: SAR is chartered by President Theodore Roosevelt

Early Mission Continues Today to perpetuate the memory of those patriots who rendered loyal service to the cause of independence from Great Britain to unite and promote fellowship among their descendants to inspire them and the community-at-large with a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers

Early Mission Continues Today to encourage historical research through our extended genealogical library to acquire and preserve records, relics and landmarks pertaining to the Revolutionary War

Early Mission Continues Today to mark the graves of Revolutionary soldiers celebrate its anniversaries foster an appreciation for patriotism, and maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.

Throughout Our 120 Years of Service grown to 28,000 members 500+ Chapters 58 Societies represent members in the U.S., Canada, UK and Central Europe

1927 established offices in Washington D.C. began Genealogical Library helped establish the National Archives in D.C.

moved Headquarters to Louisville, KY library collection grown to more than 58,000 documents national resources for information on the Revolution and early American History

Washington’s Ring

National Charter

Liberty Bell

Recognition and Awards Programs law enforcement public safety Boy Scouts & Eagle Scouts ROTC, Junior & Senior history teachers & students

Color Guard

“Liberty, when it takes root, is a plant of rapid growth.” –General George Washington

Civic and History Education at a Crossroads reduced history and civics studies in the classroom not teaching the stories of the past failure to teach current events in historic context

“History has not just been pushed to the back- burner, it’s been pushed off the stove.” –Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough

An Ever Widening Gap Only 55% of Americans can correctly identify the three branches of government Less than 50% of Americans between ages understand the qualities of good citizenship Source: Civic Literacy Initiative of Kentucky

An Ever Widening Gap A 2006 study by the National Center for Education statistics shows that only 24% of 4th graders, 22% of 8th graders, and 27% of 12th graders reach a proficient level of civic education (2006 NAEP Civics assessment) In 2008, more voted for American Idol than for President of the United States

Historic Commitment to Public Education Benjamin Franklin established the Pennsylvania public school system as early as 1749 and encouraged students to debate historical issues because “questions of right and wrong, just and unjust will naturally arise.”

pursue a different approach become more than good role models reach out, teach and persuade with all current resources utilize new technologies and communication strategies SAR: Time to Re-commit

SAR: Fill the Gap, Fulfill Our Founders’ Vision develop programming in tandem with public education become a recognized and revered resource for the stories of the past and documentation of our patriots and their families expand outreach educational capabilities enhance library and learning facilities

The Center for Advancing America’s Heritage

The Center for Advancing America’s Heritage

school groups tours members researchers scholars community-at-large Education and Outreach

Visiting Students

permanent and traveling exhibits collections artifacts Engage and Interact Through…

program development interactive exhibits curriculum enhancement tell the story Guide and Educate Through…

programs distributed to states and chapters for their local use in meetings/events and at schools interactive and multi- media communication effectively reaches new audiences positively position SAR as a vital source for early American history studies and research broaden our scope of influence to the global community-at-large Extend Our Reach

Making It Happen need for a new facility to also include our National Headquarters purchased the historic Fulton-Conway Building on West Main Street, named one of “Top Ten Main Streets in America”* the heart of Louisville’s Cultural District *American Planning Association

Making It Happen collaborate with other area museums participate in community activities double our square footage opportunity to upgrade our facilities

Genealogical Research Library

Partnerships Louisville Slugger Bat Factory & Museum Muhammad Ali Center Frazier International History Museum Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts Louisville Science Center

Partnerships Map provided by the Louisville Downtown Management District

Funding The Center Phase I Purchase of the building is complete thanks to the generous contributions of our leadership, state societies and chapters, and members.

Funding the Center Phase II Build-out and relocation of the Genealogical Research Library is scheduled to begin in 2009

Funding the Center Future Phases Renovation and relocation of The Center and National Headquarters: Retained nationally recognized capital campaign consultants ADVANCE: Campaign for New Generations Capital Campaign moves from quiet to public phase

Funding the Center Capital Campaign Cabinet is pursuing significant pledges from membersstates/chapters corporationsfoundations individuals state & federal government planned givingcivic minded groups

The Vision successful completion of the capital campaign construction of the new headquarters gallery space for exhibits and educational activities museum store, café, roof garden

Returns on Investment serve as a leader in Early American History education help close the gap in civic education position SAR as a vital force in our communities and nationwide

Returns on Investment attract as many as 50,000 visitors in its first years realize as much as $400,000 annually in projected income generate new income from space rental fees and public sale of merchandise be part of a convention and visitor community that generates $230 million in economic impact

You Are Part of this Exciting Project make or increase your own personal pledge encourage pledges from your chapters and societies identify potential donors in your communities help set appointments and be part of the SAR delegation consider a naming opportunity make The Center part of your legacy through planned giving

What else can you and we be doing to make our dream a reality?

“We have it in our power to begin the world anew… America makes a stand, not for itself alone, but for the whole world.” –From “The Crisis” by Thomas Paine