Virginia SAR Membership Growth Surges in First Half of 2026 as America 250 Celebrations Intensify

As President of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, I am proud to share that the first half of 2026 has produced exceptional membership activity across the Commonwealth. From January 1 through July 4, our chapters documented 189 Patriot ancestors, including 168 new member applications, 20 supplemental applications, and 1 memorial application — far exceeding the previous six‑month period. 

This surge reflects something deeper than numbers. It reflects Virginians embracing our shared role as Witnesses to History during the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Across the Commonwealth, Independence Day 2026 was more meaningful, more colorful, and more impactful than any in recent memory. Our ceremonies, educational programs, and community commemorations demonstrated that the spirit of 1776 is alive and resonant in 2026.

Commemoration of the Gunpowder Incident

TOANO, Va. — June 11, 2026—On May 4, 2026, as part of Virginia’s continuing march toward the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hosted a solemn and well‑attended Commemoration of the Gunpowder Incident at Upper County Park in Toano.

The Gunpowder Incident of April 21, 1775 stands as one of the earliest and most consequential confrontations between royal authority and Virginia’s citizenry. When Governor Lord Dunmore ordered the removal of gunpowder from the Public Magazine in Williamsburg, Virginians viewed the act as a direct assault on their rights and security. The tension that followed made clear that reconciliation with the Crown was slipping out of reach, and that Virginians were prepared to defend their liberties.

Virginia SAR Virtual Workshops Schedule (Updated 28 Jan)

The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) training workshop format is changing! In order to provide beneficial information at a time that will have the best impact to chapters, committees, and members,  workshops will be conducted periodically throughout the year. Workshops will continue to be virtual so they can reach anyone interested in joining. 

Virginia SAR Announces Formation of the New Abraham Brown Chapter

RICHMOND, VA — January 1, 2026 — The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is beginning the new year with a significant milestone in its statewide growth and outreach. President Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., has announced plans to charter a new chapter that will expand the Society’s presence in the heart of the Commonwealth.

The forthcoming Abraham Brown Chapter will serve compatriots and prospective members in Charles City County and New Kent County, two regions rich with Revolutionary‑era history and enduring patriotic legacy. The chapter’s namesake, Abraham Brown (SAR Patriot P-329970), was a free African American farmer from Charles City who supplied beef to the Continental Army—an essential contribution to sustaining Patriot forces during the struggle for independence. Honoring Brown through the chapter’s name reflects the Virginia SAR’s commitment to recognizing the diverse individuals who supported the American cause.

Renew Your Membership – Strengthen Our Legacy

As a valued member of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), your continued involvement is the foundation of our mission. With the renewal period now underway, we encourage you to reaffirm your commitment to honoring our patriot ancestors and advancing the work of our Society — nationally, across Virginia, and within your chapter.

Why Renew?

Your membership is more than a name on a roster — it’s a living connection to our shared history and a vital contribution to our future. By renewing your dues at the national, state, and chapter levels, you help:

Alexandria and Wytheville, VA — The Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) is proud to announce the award of two new grants from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in support of its ongoing Patriot Burials® marker program. These grants will fund the creation and installation of historical markers at two cemeteries in Virginia where Revolutionary War Patriots are laid to rest.

The newly awarded markers are:

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, (May 27, 2025) — On 3 May 2025, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation conducted a ceremony to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Virginia’s first military response to the Royal Governor’s taking of gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. Governor John Murray, Earl of Dunmore falsely claimed it was for Virginia’s protection. During the night of 20–21 April 1775, British Marines landed at Burwell’s Landing on the James River and marched to Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capitol. They had been ordered by Governor Dunmore to remove the gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. The Marines were spotted and an alarm raised. As a result, they returned to their ships without completely emptying the magazine.

Public discontent increased throughout the colony fomenting unrest, with militia companies mustering to force return of the gunpowder. Patrick Henry learned of the event and issued a call to arms. On 2 May 1775, 160 mounted militiamen from Hanover County under Henry’s command began their ride to Williamsburg to either recover the powder or be paid for it. On 3 May, they stopped at Doncastle’s Ordinary near Toano in James City County. It was here Carter Braxton convinced Henry to halt his march. Braxton, the son-in-law of Virginia’s Receiver General, Richard Corbin rode into Williamsburg to negotiate the settlement of the incident. He returned to Henry with a payment of 330 pounds to pay for the gunpowder that was taken from the armory. The Hanover militia returned to their homes and Henry journeyed to Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress. Dunmore feared for his safety and on 8 June, he and his family left in the middle of the night to take up residence aboard the British ship HMS Fowey. This incident led to the Virginia Colony’s government being taken over by a Committee of Safety and Patrick Henry becoming the independent state’s first governor in July 1776.

GLEN ALLEN, Va. (Feb. 8, 2025) – In a memorable ceremony conducted by the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., was installed as the 105th President of the Virginia SAR by National SAR President General Darryl Addington in ceremonies held during the 135th Annual Meeting within the Henrico Ballroom of the Virginia Crossings Hotel.

Dr. Michael E. Weyler succeeded William D. Greaf, DPA (Williamsburg Chapter SAR) who served as the 104th Virginia SAR President in 2024–25. President Greaf was awarded the state society's highest award—the Patriot Medal—for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments during the past year.  Dr. Greaf also received a sword and scabbard as a gift from his Virginia SAR officers.

Richard Rankin Appointed as Virginia SAR Risk Manager

(WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - 13 September 2024) —The Virginia SAR Executive Committee has appointed Richard E. Rankin of the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, to the newly created position of Virginia SAR Risk Manager, effective September 14, 2024.

The VASSAR Risk Manager will provide advice to the ExCom, Chapter Presidents and the Color Guard Commander on risk management and insurance issues which may impact the Society’s operational risk profile.

Lewis "Lew" Miller Ewing (1934–2024)
(Colonel James Wood, II Chapter SAR)

Lewis M. “Lew” Ewing, 90, of Winchester, Virginia, died August 7, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center. Lew was born May 8, 1934, in Stephens City, Virginia, son of the late James Earl Ewing, Sr. and Anna Virginia Golladay Ewing.

Virginia SAR Honors Frank Shatz with Silver Good Citizenship Medal

Williamsburg, VA – August 19, 2024 – The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), with the support of the Williamsburg Chapter SAR, proudly presented the Silver Good Citizenship Medal Award to Mr. Frank Shatz at the College of William and Mary.

The Silver Good Citizenship Medal recognizes outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service at the state or regional level. The medal is presented to persons of prominence in areas of government, military service, religion, education, business, or other endeavors. Mr. Frank Shatz was born in Czechoslovakia in 1927. After the German takeover of Czechoslovakia, he was deported to a slave work camp in Romania. He managed to escape and returned to Czechoslovakia, where he became a member of the anti-German resistance. He began a career in journalism after the World War II and immigrated with his wife, Jaroslava, to the United States in 1958. He currently resides in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he writes a weekly column for the Virginia Gazette and is involved with the College of William and Mary.

Charles Leroy Mattocks, Sr. (1940–2024)
(Colonel Fielding Lewis Chapter SAR)

Charles Leroy Mattocks, Sr., 84, of Stafford, Va., died at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Sunday, August 18, of complications from a fall. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on March 26, 1940, to Daniel “LLoy” Raymond Mattocks, Sr. and Helen Dorothy Waid.

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Steven Faught, who was presented the Fort Harrison Chapter Citizen of the Year in December was named the Virginia Society Citizen of the Year at its annual meeting in Richmond on February 10^th.

As the owner of two Automotive Service Centers, Steven has balanced a successful business and community involvement and continually looks for opportunities to serve his employees and the community. Being named the 2022 Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the year shows the innovation, purpose and vision it takes to compete in a competitive market. Steven also received the 2022 DAR Community Service Award, the 2023 Rockingham Union #27 Community Builders award, and the 2023 Corporate Philanthropist Award from the Shenandoah Chapter of Fundraising Professionals. These recognitions illustrates his spirit of giving back.

His support for cancer research, survivors, and fundraising are extraordinary. He gives two annual scholarships to local high school students, one for automotive studies and one for a student in a family dealing with cancer. As a supporter of the American Cancer Society, events such as Relay for Life, Run Row and Rep for Breast Cancer, Be an Angel for Breast Cancer and Real Men Wear Pink are everyday activities for Steven. This year is the 7^th Annual Free Oil Change Day for cancer survivors where all materials and labor are free of charge.

Since 2017 donations of socks collected at his business has sent 12,000 pairs to the Sentara RMH Pediatric units to be worn by children receiving care.

Recently Steven, his wife, Robyn and his team started hosting a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast as well as a First Responders Breakfast where participants receive a complimentary breakfast as a way of thanking them for their service.

Shenandoah Automotive offers an annual tutorial class for new drivers where safety is the main emphasis. New drivers learn defensive driving and understanding the basic car functions.

In his spare time Steven participates in public safety events such as the Harrisonburg Police Ride Along program as well as serving as a volunteer with the Rockingham-Augusta Search & Rescue.

Your Excellencies –

Of the fourteen hundred medical practitioners who served in the Continental Army, only about ten percent had formal medical degrees. The majority of the rest had learned their practice through an apprenticeship with an established physician. Most were young men at the beginning of their careers. Few had prior experience of war. Their civilian practices had not prepared them for the grim realities of warfare in eighteenth- century America, where far more soldiers under their care would die from disease and infection than would be killed on the battlefield.

The Battle of Great Bridge discussion Wednesday December 6^th Noon – 1:00pm.

Join Encyclopedia Virginia managing editor Patti Miller in conversation with Norfolk Chapter compatriot, former U.S. Marine and professor at the National Defense University Dr. Patrick Hannum and Jon Stull, docent at the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways History Foundation, to discuss the Battle of Great Bridge.

The Battle of Great Bridge was the first major battle of the American Revolution fought in Virginia and a significant, if little recognized, factor in the eventual Patriot victory over the British. Find out how Great Bridge changed everything.

This event is free, but registration is required.

Link: https://virginiahumanities.org/events/2023/12/the-battle-of-great-bridge/

Wednesday, 16 August 2023