The Sons of the American Revolution is the largest male lineage organization in the United States and consists of 50 state-level societies with more than 500 local chapters, several international societies, and over 33,000 members. Prominent SAR members include sixteen U.S. presidents, U.S. senators and representatives, local business and community leaders, as well as foreign dignitaries such as Sir Winston Churchill, and Kings Juan Carlos and Felipe VI of Spain.
The Louisville Thruston Chapter, organized in 1960, was the first SAR chapter in the state of Kentucky and is the largest SAR chapter in the state consisting of approximately 300 members.
Our mission in the Louisville Thruston Chapter can best be summarized by reiterating the three goals set forth by our national organization –
• Patriotism - We strive to inspire our local citizenry with the principles on which our nation was founded. For example, the chapter’s color guard, dressed in their Revolutionary War uniforms, participates in numerous civic and patriotic events throughout our community. We strive to recognize those in our community who provide public service by presenting awards to law enforcement and first responder organizations as well as to the young men and women in Eagle Scouts, JROTC and ROTC cadets. We honor, respect, and support our veterans, especially those confined to residential and hospital facilities.
• Historical Preservation – We commemorate and attend memorials to honor the people and events of the American Revolution. Each year, the chapter participates in numerous grave markings of Revolutionary War patriots. We support genealogical research by our members and continually add to our knowledge of the Revolutionary War and the people who help found our country.
• Education – We sponsor annual youth award programs in our local schools, including essay and oration contests for students, based on historical and patriotic themes. Our color guard attends classrooms and gives history presentations to students. Our chapter registrar helps people locate and evaluate genealogical records. The SAR Genealogical Research Library, located here in Louisville, is a major national repository of genealogical information. Our chapter meetings often feature expert speakers who give presentations on historical topics.
Becoming a SAR member will involve you in your local and national community by telling the story of the Founding Fathers and the creation of our great nation, the United States of America. Tracing your lineage will directly connect you to the history of the American Revolution and enable you to connect with others that share this bond.
The Louisville Thruston Chapter holds five meetings annually for the general membership starting with Washington’s Birthday Meeting in February, followed by the Annual Business Meeting in April, the Flag Day Meeting in June, the Constitution Week Meeting in September, and a Christmas holiday social event in December. Except for the Christmas social, all meetings are currently held as Saturday luncheons at various venues around the Louisville area. We always strive to have excellent speakers, and the dress code is business casual. Wives and guests are cordially invited to attend. Members can expect to receive a meeting announcement with a reservation form by email at least 30 days prior to each function. The chapter newsletter, which goes out monthly to all members, also contains information about upcoming meetings.
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