About Us
History
The Colonel Joseph Winston Chapter, NSDAR, was organized in 1902 during the Centennial Celebration of Salem College in Winston-Salem. One of the oldest chapters in North Carolina, it received its charter as Salem Centennial Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, on February 16, 1904. The current name was adopted in 1966.
With over one hundred years of history, our chapter has undertaken efforts to ensure the preservation of all our historical documents. We preserve not just the chapter’s activities, but those of our community. We seek to fulfill our national objectives in the areas of historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
Our chapter has a long heritage of honoring patriotic service. This marker for Cherokee Chief Junaluska and his wife Nicie, was placed in 1910.
Colonel Joseph Winston
The namesake of our chapter, Colonel Joseph Winston, was a North Carolina militia leader during the American Revolution War. As a major, he led a group of men from Surry County, an area that today includes Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties. They served in three of the Carolinas’ decisive battles: at Moores Creek Bridge, at Kings Mountain, and Guilford Courthouse. A lifetime statesman, Colonel Joseph Winston was a commissioner to the Cherokee Indians, was awarded a sword for gallantry by the North Carolina General Assembly, and served as a State Senator, a U.S. Representative, and twice as a presidential elector.
Our chapter’s interest in women’s issues began with our organizing regent over 100 years ago.
Tour and luncheon at the historic Hanes Home and Cookie Factory.
Meetings
Our chapter meets in Winston-Salem from January through May and September through December. A typical meeting includes social time, a guest speaker, and a business meeting. Guests speak on a variety of topics that relate to patriotism, preservation, history, education, service, genealogy, and the United States Constitution.
Annual events include a membership tea, a joint meeting with other local chapters, a field trip, and a genealogy workshop. Additional social activities include a supplementals club and an American history book club.
We invite and welcome you to attend one of our meetings if you are interested in joining the DAR. Please contact us for the meeting dates and location.