The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our Country.
Who We Are
National Society, Louisville, KY
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR or SAR) was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The society is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and supporting the education our future generations. SAR members volunteer untold hours of service each year in their local communities. SAR is very active in assisting veterans. We are dedicated to supporting teachers by providing living history interpreters, lesson planning resources, and reenactment events for school-aged students to attend.
As one of the largest male societies in the country, the SAR boasts tens of thousands of active members in over 550 chapters across the United States and internationally. Any male 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove blood lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. We were on the leading edge in allowing DNA results to be used to prove descent for those with unclear roots. SAR National Headquarters houses one of the nation’s premier genealogical libraries. We are a Congressionally Chartered Organization exempt from Federal income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
More Than Just a Lineage Society
While the Sons of the American Revolution is the largest male lineage organization in the United States, we are also so much more than “just” a lineage organization!
The SAR is a patriotic organization that seeks to help our communities remember, honor, and perpetuate the principles that our country was founded on and that are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Being a member of the Sons of the American Revolution engages you at both the local and national levels in preserving and telling the story of our Founding Fathers and the creation of the United States of America. It provides a direct, personal connection to the history of the American Revolution through documented lineage and fosters fellowship with others who share that same enduring bond to our nation’s founding.
History of the Florida Society
The Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution was organized by a thirty-eight-year-old Pennsylvania native stationed at the Pensacola Navy Yard in 1896. Lieutenant James Henry Bull found several descendants of Revolutionary Patriots who were interested in a Florida Society and with support from the Editor of the Pensacola Daily News, Charles Augustus Choate, who printed several notices in the daily paper, set up a meeting at the law office of the Honorable John C. Avery on March 14, 1896.
Fifteen applicants submitted credentials for Charter membership and before year’s end, a total of twenty-two had been accepted. The twenty-two members included:
- Lt. James Henry Bull
- William H. Milton, Jr.
- William O.H. Shepard
- John Campbell Avery
- Charles Augustus Choate
- William Thomas Cogswell
- James Shirley Hope
- Albert Minor Avery
- Arthur Aylett Brown
- Albert Lord Avery
- Charles Wiley Ballard
- William C. Howes
- William LaFayette Perkins
- Samuel G. Thomas
- Nathan Robertson Winship
- William Howard Bigelow
- William Thrower Shepard
- William Elston Taylor
- Charles Frances Cogswell
- John Alfred Blanche Cogswell
- Benjamin C. Tunison
- William Swift Keyser
Since our early beginnings, the Florida Society has had a long and storied history. Included in our history is a large number of Compatriots who dedicated themselves to leading and shaping our State Society — including 94 different State Presidents, 176 Patriot Medal Awardees, 10 Compatriots who have been the recipient of the prestigious Minuteman Medal – the highest honor bestowed on an SAR Compatriot, and 5 Florida Compatriots who went on to serve as the President General of the National Society. You can find the names of all of these distinguished compatriots on our Major Awards page.
Additionally, over the years, the Florida Society has hosted the NSSAR National Congress six times.
| Congress | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 59th | 1949 | Jacksonville |
| 71st | 1961 | Clearwater |
| 83rd | 1973 | Palm Beach |
| 96th | 1986 | Tampa |
| 108th | 1998 | Orlando |
| 133rd | 2023 | Orlando |
The Florida Society Today
Today, the Florida Society has nearly 2,500 members across seven regions and 32 chapters. We currently have 26 chapter Color Guard Units as part of the FLSSAR Sons of Liberty Brigade.
Our Society plays host to four NSSAR National Commemoration Events
- The Last Naval Battle on Merritt Island
- The Battle of Thomas Creek near Jacksonville
- The Battle of Pensacola in Pensacola
- The Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge near Jacksonville
Additionally, the Florida Society has dedicated a new monument in Pompano Beach, Florida, that commemorates the First Amphibious Assault by the Continental Marines.
The Florida Society truly has something for everyone! We look forward to welcoming you as a compatriot!
Past State Presidents
Throughout the years, our organization has been guided and strengthened by a remarkable group of leaders whose dedication, vision, and service have left a lasting impact. Each president brought unique talents and perspectives that helped shape our growth and success. We take this opportunity to recognize and honor the following past presidents for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to our mission.