Forgotten Patriots

The Forgotten Patriots Program honors Revolutionary War patriots whose service has never been recognized within the SAR. Many of these men and women stood for independence but left no lineage trail in the Society’s records. By researching and documenting these patriots, compatriots help restore their place in our shared history and ensure their sacrifices are remembered.

Purpose of the Program

The Virginia SAR Forgotten Patriots Program identifies and documents Revolutionary War patriots whose service has not previously been used to establish SAR membership. When a compatriot successfully documents such a patriot through an original or supplemental application, that patriot becomes newly recognized within the SAR Patriot Records System. This work expands the Society’s historical record and strengthens the foundation for future genealogical research.

Forgotten Patriot Certificates

Compatriots who document a previously unused patriot receive a Forgotten Patriot Certificate, acknowledging both the patriot’s service and the researcher’s achievement. The certificate:

  • Honors the Patriot by bringing their service into the SAR record
  • Opens a new lineage line for future applicants
  • Preserves historical evidence through verified documentation

Certificates may be presented at chapter meetings, state meetings, or other appropriate events.

Chapter Recognition: Streamers and Stars

Chapters that support the documentation of Forgotten Patriots may earn a Forgotten Patriot Streamer. Additional stars may be awarded for:

  • Multiple Forgotten Patriots documented by chapter members
  • Patriots who were Virginians by birth, residence, or service
  • Exceptional research contributions that strengthen the Society’s historical record

This recognition encourages chapters to promote genealogical research and to elevate the stories of patriots who have gone unrecognized for generations. 

How to Begin Research

Members interested in identifying a Forgotten Patriot should begin by reviewing:

  • County‑level Revolutionary War public service claims
  • Militia and civil service records
  • Court orders, tithables, and supply lists
  • Pension applications and supporting affidavits
  • Existing SAR and DAR databases to confirm the patriot has not been previously used

  • Revolutionary War tax records, including supply taxes, wartime levies, and personal property assessments that document material support for the war effort

Virginia SAR maintains a dedicated resource page for these tax records and materials. Members and prospective applicants can consult the Society’s collection of Revolutionary War and Colonial Tax Records, which includes transcriptions and images of many surviving Virginia tax lists:

https://www.virginiasar.org/revolutionary-war---colonial-taxes

These records are especially valuable for identifying patriots who provided goods, livestock, transportation, or other material support—forms of service that often qualify for SAR membership but are not captured in military rolls.

 

The SAR recognizes the vital contributions of patriots of African, Indigenous, and mixed descent who supported the cause of independence through military service, militia duty, civil roles, and material aid. The Forgotten Patriots Program helps ensure these men and women—often overlooked in traditional records—are identified, documented, and honored within the Society.

 

Chapters are encouraged to support members through research guidance, document review, and collaboration with the state Registrar.

Forgotten Patriots Committee (effective 25 Feb 2025)

The Virginia Society voted to establish the Forgotten Patriot program as a permanent program at the 2006 Semiannual Meeting. A chapter is recognized for each application, approved by the National Society, on a patriot on whom no person has joined the SAR or DAR using a valid line and service.

The Virginia Society gives further recognition for remembering Forgotten Patriots who were Virginians.  Chapters may be awarded the "Forgotten Patriots" streamer with one star for each additional Forgotten Patriot Recognized, and one additional star for each Virginian (to be identified by the word “Virginian” on the streamer).

For additional details on the program’s structure, requirements, and the committee’s responsibilities, please refer to the Virginia SAR Handbook, Volume 3: Procedures and Committes (PDF).

Chair: T. Michael Taimi (Jamestown HQ), [email protected]

Forgotten Patriot Program in the News