Welcome to Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR!

Washingtonburg is one of three Chapters that comprise District 3 of the Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the American Revolution (PASSAR). It was chartered in 1992 to serve the Pennsylvania Counties of Cumberland and Perry, although members are welcome to apply and join regardless of where they live. Washingtonburg partners with the Cumberland County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), as well as the Perry County Chapter of DAR. Full membership is open to males of all ages, who are recognized by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) as proven lineal descendants of proven Patriots, regardless of nationality, religion, race, or ethnicity.

As of 2024, the current members of Washingtonburg, called Compatriots, descend from Patriot ancestors whose service was rendered through New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Spain, and Portugal. This service included holding public office, paying special taxes which supported and funded the American Revolution, taking oaths to the Revolutionary government, giving goods and services to the new nation, serving on its ships, participating in mandatory Militias, joining voluntary Military Associations of the new nation, and enlisting in Continental Military units.

Today, we, the descendants of these heroes, carry out a mission that is focused on researching and collecting information about these Patriots, preserving the records and artifacts associated with them, and sharing the results with the public. In the course of our mission, we also look for modern-day citizens who exemplify the same Patriotic traits, and recognize them accordingly through a host of programs that include honoring veterans of all periods, honoring law enforcement and emergency personnel, recognizing members of JROTC/ROTC/NSCC and BSA, recognizing local businesses and institutions for proper display and handling of the American Flag, participating in community activities such as parades, and locating and marking the grave sites of Patriot ancestors.    

While membership is restricted to the proven lineal male descendants of the founders of this nation, the Washingtonburg Chapter offers a category of Associate to those who do not qualify through ancestry but who otherwise share the goals and ideals of SAR. While wives and daughters of members may be eligible for membership in their own right in the DAR, they are also welcome to join the very active Ladies Auxiliary of the Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the American Revolution (LAPASSAR).  

The Washingtonburg Chapter maintains an active genealogy effort to assist potential applicants. It has an excellent record of identifying and proving lineages to Patriot ancestors. There is no extra fee for this assistance. Meetings are held quarterly and typically include a luncheon or dinner, a speaker, and an awards presentation, in addition to the business of the chapter. Additional activities are varied and include public displays and commemorations, picnics, banquets, and more.