About the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865

Mission

To spread widely the teachings of patriotism, that those who dwell in this broad land of ours will so live that, in peace or in war, there shall be no stain on “The Flag Our Fathers Saved”.

Our Motto

Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty

Principles

We firmly believe in Almighty God, and fully realize that it was under His beneficent Providence that the free institutions of our land, consecrated to us by the service and blood of our Fathers, have been preserved and the integrity and life of the Nation maintained.

True loyalty to the government of the United States of America based upon respect for, and devotion and fidelity to its Constitution and Laws, made evident by our disapproval of anything that is disloyal, treasonable or rebellious, or anything that will in any manner impair the efficiency and permanency of our National Union.

Object

To perpetuate the memory, deeds and loyalty of those ancestors who sacrificed so much in the struggle to preserve the Union and establish freedom for everyone; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; to foster true patriotism and love of country and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty; to maintain at our Museum and Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, genealogical files and records of members, their Civil War ancestors, and their descendants, for coming generations; to operate a free, public museum containing Civil War artifacts and relics of Union Veterans, a library of Civil War histories, military and regimental records, Adjutant General Reports for the various states, and historical records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic; to promote interest in Civil War History; to cooperate in movements relating to veteran, civic, and welfare projects; to promote equal rights and universal liberty for everyone; to hallow the name of the Grand Army of the Republic on Memorial Day since Memorial Day, today, hallows the memories of veterans of all wars.

Work of the Organization

Projects are designed to perpetuate the memories and aspirations of our Civil War ancestors – genealogical, historical, patriotic, and service and community projects. Some of the genealogical projects include recording Civil War discharge papers, recording ancestors’ war and personal records for the Headquarters file, recording history of members' known descendants, maintaining and updating index files, recording personal records of organization members, locating Civil War burial records of various counties and towns.

The historical projects include maintaining our beautiful museum and headquarters in Springfield, Illinois; collecting Civil War artifacts and mementos; placing commemorative plaques and markers at appropriate universities, public buildings, parks and battlefields; recording and preserving Union Civil War monuments throughout the country.

Patriotic projects include flag presentations, participation in patriotic ceremonies on national holidays, and cooperating with other patriotic and genealogical societies.

In community and service projects our organization is highly rated for its outstanding work at the Veterans Hospitals and Veteran Homes throughout the country. This is our outstanding service program and we are proud of the many hours of volunteer service for our veterans by so many of our members. The members also work at State homes and hospitals, nursing homes, children's homes and with many other community groups.

Educationally we maintain a college scholarship program for worthy descendants of Union Veterans, and present special awards at the United States Service Academies – United States Military Academy, West Point, New York; United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut. In addition we have established scholarship funds at the following colleges: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee; Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio; Institute of Logepedics, Wichita, Kansas; University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska; and Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. An annual award is presented to Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. – the only university in the United States for the deaf and chartered by Abraham Lincoln.

Our state departments and local tents engage in local historical studies in their own communities and render assistance to schools, colleges and adult learning centers, when called upon to do so. Awards and scholarships are given for excellence in historical studies. Patriotic and flag etiquette programs are presented in the schools each year. Flags are presented to organizations in need of a flag.

National Headquarters

During the spring of 1934, a building was purchased in Washington, D.C., which was the National Headquarters for sixteen years, until it was sold in 1950. Following the 1951 National Convention in Chicago, a building in Springfield, Illinois was purchased and dedicated in June 1952, as the National Headquarters. In February, 1964, this old building was sold and a new building was erected in Springfield, Illinois and dedicated in April 1969 as the new National Headquarters and Museum.

Museum

The Museum houses many books, mementos, and documented records of the Civil War era which are on display. Anyone interested in Civil War history is welcome to tour or to do research there. Members and friends are urged to visit this monument to our heritage located in the home city of Abraham Lincoln, so they may see the beauty and efficiency of the National Headquarters and Museum, the results of our continued efforts and interest. For further information write, call, email, or visit our National website.

DUV National Headquarters
503 South Walnut
Springfield, Illinois 62704
(217) 544-0616
www.DUVCW.org

“The Drum Beat” is a publication sent to all members three times a year. It includes articles of interest about the Civil War and the organization. Members are invited to contribute articles.

Reference: "A Proud Heritage," DUVCW, Revised 2005. Copies available by request.