The DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS) is a free resource provided by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The GRS is a collection of databases amassed by the DAR since its founding in 1890, including Ancestors, Members, Descendants, DAR Library catalog plus others. These databases are available to aid in general genealogical research, not just to help those interested in DAR membership.

To query GRS, visit http://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search/?tab_id=0 More records are being digitized and added to GRS every day. Last month DAR added an index of 40,000 digitized Bible records, one of the largest known collections of such genealogical materials in existence. The DAR Bible collection spans many decades so even researchers not looking for Revolutionary War era ancestors may find useful records in the index. To query the Bible Records index, click on "Bibles" on the GRS toolbar. "The DAR is committed to making family research materials more readily available to the public," said DAR President General Lynn Forney Young. "Many of these transcripts of the Bible records may be all that is left of these family Bibles, so it is important to preserve them for future generations and make them accessible to researchers.

Blog editor/DAR member as "Molly Pitcher" - her dress, apron and petticoat were burned in battle by a Redcoat cannonball.[/caption] The full press release regarding the DAR's Bible Records Index can be read here: www.dar.org/national-society/media-center/news-releases/indexed-family-history-records-now-available-through-dar As with any resource, there are some errors and inaccuracies, and the Bible Records Index is just that, an index. If a match is found, the researcher will get specific information about the book title and page. If onsite at the DAR Library, one can view and print the Bible records. If not at the DAR Library, one can request a copy (for a fee) - or start planning a trip to the library. By the way, the DAR Library is free and open to the public.

The DAR Library contains over 225,000 books, 10,000 research files, thousands of manuscripts, and nearly 40,000 family histories (including my own, I'm proud to say!) On the morning of July 4 I'll again be portraying "Molly Pitcher" at the Wayzata (MN) Flying Pancake breakfast, which is sponsored by the Children of the American Revolution (CAR). Veterans eat free, and WWII and Korean vets will be individually recognized. Come on out, eat some pancakes, and enjoy the Revolutionary re-enactors and other fun at the Wayzata Depot. However you choose to spend it, Happy Independence Day!