Keeping the Flame of Liberty Alive: The Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

In the sweltering summer of 1776, 56 courageous men signed a document that forever altered the course of history—the Declaration of Independence. These signers pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” in defiance of tyranny, laying the ideological foundation of the United States of America.

More than a century later, their descendants came together to form a society dedicated to preserving and honoring this legacy: the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence (DSDI). Founded with patriotic and educational goals, the society continues to illuminate the lives of these Founding Fathers and promote the principles they risked everything to defend.

Origins and Founding of DSDI

The Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence (DSDI) was formally established in 1907 in Washington, D.C., by a group of direct descendants of those 56 signers. Their purpose was both commemorative and forward-looking: to ensure that the sacrifices and ideals of their ancestors would be remembered, studied, and respected by future generations.

The society was inspired by the success of other patriotic hereditary organizations like the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). However, DSDI was distinct in that it focused exclusively on lineal descendants of the signers of the Declaration.

Mission and Purpose

From its inception, the mission of DSDI has included the following:

Preserve the memory and legacy of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence;
Promote the study of American history, particularly the events leading to independence;
Encourage patriotism and public service based on the ideals of liberty and justice;
Award scholarships to students who embody these ideals;
Commemorate Independence Day with special events, especially in Philadelphia and other key Revolutionary War sites.

The society places a strong emphasis on education, ensuring that the story of the Declaration—and the men behind it—remains central to American identity.

Membership

Membership in DSDI is limited to those who can prove direct lineal descent from one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. This includes both male and female descendants.

Admission Requirements:

Documented genealogical proof tracing ancestry to a signer;
Verified birth, marriage, and death records;
Review and approval by the society’s genealogical committee.

DSDI maintains a complete and regularly updated list of accepted signers and recognized lineages. Many members are active in other heritage organizations and come from families that have preserved historical records for generations.

Key Activities and Traditions

One of DSDI’s most visible traditions is its annual July 4th celebration in Philadelphia, where members gather at Independence Hall to read the Declaration aloud, lay wreaths, and honor the memory of their ancestors. This ceremony is often attended by the National Park Service, local officials, historians, and the general public.

Additional DSDI activities include:

Scholarship Program: The society offers scholarships to descendants pursuing higher education, selected based on academic merit and essays about the Declaration’s meaning.
Grave marking ceremonies: The society helps mark and maintain the gravesites of the 56 signers.
Historical research and publications: DSDI promotes academic study of the signers, publishing biographies and supporting digital access to historical documents.

Contributions to American History and Heritage

The impact of DSDI goes far beyond its own members. The society has:

Supported digital preservation projects, such as the digitization of signer correspondence and personal papers;
Partnered with historical organizations, museums, and libraries to educate the public;
Helped locate, restore, and commemorate the final resting places of lesser-known signers;
Kept the values of liberty, civic duty, and sacrifice at the center of public discourse—especially for younger Americans.

By highlighting the personal stories of the signers—many of whom suffered imprisonment, loss of wealth, or exile—DSDI helps Americans appreciate the profound human cost of independence.

Conclusion

The Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence serve as stewards of one of the most powerful legacies in American history. Through education, ceremony, and service, they ensure that the voices of their ancestors—who declared a nation’s freedom—are never silenced.

Their ongoing work invites all Americans to reflect on what it means to pledge “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” for the ideals of liberty and justice.