About DSDI

From education to engagement, through gatherings and preservation, we strive to inspire patriotic pride without political affiliation. Our members have access to relics and records that uphold the memories of The Signers, while enjoying fun and fellowship for all ages, all throughout the year.

History

Since its first meeting on July 4, 1907, the DSDI has been educating and cultivating patriotism.

Officers

The DSDI’s officers are hard at work arranging events, awarding scholarships, and more.

Newsletters

Spirit of ’76 is the DSDI’s official news publication that’s circulated three times a year.

Meetings

An annual meeting in Philadelphia plus others across the East await our members and families.

Photos

See photos from meetings, DSDI-sponsored events, historical sites, and more.

Scholarships

Every year, members of the DSDI who plan on attending full-time college programs are eligible.

Our Mission Statement

The purpose or purposes which it will hereafter pursue are exclusively charitable and educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Its general powers and purposes shall be:

(a) To strengthen in American life the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence by its signers.

(b) To promote fellowship among their descendants.

(c) To inspire and cultivate a spirit of unselfish patriotism.

(d) To aid and encourage historical research and education, the preservation of relics and records of the American Revolution and marking of historic sites.

(e) To perpetuate the memory of those men who, in signing the Declaration of Independence, mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in the cause of liberty.

(f) To provide a national organization for the promotion of the purposes herein set forth.

What The DSDI Does

Since its founding in 1907, the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence has successfully completed a great many patriotic and commemorative projects.

Scholarships are awarded annually to deserving members planning to attend full-time post-secondary schools. Tablets or other memorials have been placed at birthplaces, homes, or graves of the Signers wherever such were unmarked.

Through the efforts of the society, the grave of Francis Hopkinson, unknown for over a century, was identified. It sponsored the preservation of the Frank Willing Leach MSS, containing the lines of all descendants of the Signers which could be ascertained at the time of their compilation.

Contributions are constantly being made toward the restoration or preservation of such historic monuments as…

The insigne of the society was presented to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington in 1933, and its flag was given to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

It gave the plate for the leaflet bearing the description of the church, which is handed to all visitors to Bruton Parish Church, in Williamsburg, VA as a memorial to the Signers who worshipped there.

In March of 1976, a bronze plaque was unveiled in the East Lobby of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. commemorating the 56 Signers. The plaque was designed and made by Alan Robbins.

Important to our society is its responsibility for drawing public and government attention to the needs of historical landmarks and to indicate publicly by resolutions our non-political support of patriotic activities in keeping with the high ideals of the 56 Signers.