Who We Are

Rochambeau Chapter, NSDAR, is a non-profit.  The NSDAR was established in the United States in 1890 by women who were the direct descendants of Patriots who fought in the American War of Independence.

Rochambeau Chapter, NSDAR, was founded in Paris on March 20, 1934, and was formally organized by NSDAR on April 14, 1934.

The chapter’s inaugural meeting was held on November 14, 1934, in the Parisian suburb of Saint Cloud in the presence of General John J. Pershing; the Duc de Broglie, President of The Society of the Cincinnati in France; and several representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

In France, Rochambeau Chapter, NSDAR, is registered under the 1901 law governing non-profit associations.

Since so many French citizens played an integral role in the American War of Independence, Rochambeau Chapter, NSDAR, is indeed a truly bicultural DAR chapter. Some two-thirds of its members have a French Patriot ancestor – including such well-known figures as the Marquis de Lafayette and the Comte de Rochambeau. Because these French Patriots fought alongside American Patriots for American independence, Rochambeau Chapter, NSDAR, members – both French and American and often French American – share an interest in the United States and its unique bond of friendship with France – from the American War of Independence to the present day.

Rochambeau Chapter, NSDAR, pursues the objectives of the NSDAR, notably in the fields of history, patriotism, and education:

• To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence by the acquisition, erection, and protection of historical markers and monuments; by encouragement of historical research in relation to the American War of Independence and the publication of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and Patriots; and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.
• To carry out the injunction of General George Washington in his farewell address to the American people, “To promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge,” while also nurturing French American friendship through daily cultural exchanges.