The Henry Downs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education.  This chapter was founded in 1901 and named for patriot Henry Downs, Jr. The Henry Downs Chapter will celebrate its 117th year anniversary in December 2018, and has been a vital part of the community for all of those 117 years. The chapter looks forward to many more years of service to Waco and our country.

We continue to honor our active service members, their families, and veterans by participating in many events at the Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center as well as delivering sandwiches and cupcakes weekly to the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop. We work closely with the McLennan County Veterans Association.

We have offered scholarships to Baylor University students since 1922 and in 2014 began a scholarship endowment fund at McLennan Community College. Other scholarships are offered at the National Society Level.

The Henry Downs Chapter is very honored to award medals and certificates to area students. We judge and award students who participate in the Heart of Texas Regional History Fair each year. Our chapter promotes the American History Essay and the Christopher Columbus Essay Contests each year to area students and encourage teachers to both provide and utilize DAR’s Resources for Teachers.

The Henry Downs Chapter has placed many other bronze historic markers such as the site of the former home of Governor Richard Coke, the site of the home of Neill McLennan, one in honor of George Washington’s 200th birthday at the Waco VA Hospital. Most recently the chapter donated a bronze braille flag to the Waco VA Blind Unit in May 2017.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. 

The Henry Downs Chapter in Waco continues to thrive with new membership, encouraging commitment to our country, great state of Texas, and the communities that make up McLennan County through our many interests. We welcome you to visit with us. Our chapter meets on the first Friday of the month, September through May, unless otherwise determined. We're ready to help prospective members research and complete their application papers for DAR. Please contact our registrar for advice and help with preparing an application.

For more information please visit http://www.texasdar.org/preview/HenryDowns