About
About Us
The mission of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War is to perpetuate the memories of our ancestral fathers who served in the Civil War, to honor their loyalty and their unselfish sacrifices to preserve the Union, and to keep alive the history of those who participated in that heroic struggle for the maintenance of our free government.
Our organization was originally founded on May 30, 1885 and later incorporated on December 12, 1885. Our Federal Charter was granted by Public Law 99-172 on December 9, 1985.
"In the Articles of Incorporation of our Order, there is a key phrase that stands out, "keep green the memory." What insight these young women, who founded this organization, had so long ago."
Projects
Service
Our members volunteer at hospitals and nursing homes, volunteer at Veteran's Hospitals, and participate in projects to aid veterans.
Patriotic
Our members host flag presentations, participate in patriotic ceremonies, and cooperate with other patriotic and genealogical societies.
Educational
Our membership maintains a college scholarship program for descendents of Union Veterans, present special awards, and present scholarships at other universities.
History
Our organization was organized on May 30, 1885 by Olive Howard, Harriet Knapp, Eva Merwin, Frank Merwin, and Bertha Martin. They held the first meeting on June 3, 1885 at the home of Eva Merwin, 419 First Street, SE Massillon, Ohio.
We were incorporated December 12, 1885 in Masssillon, Ohio and the signers of the Original Articles of Incorporation were Minnie F. King, Bertha M. Martin, Olive F. Howard, Eva Merwin, and Amy Merrill.
Our original name was National Alliance Daughters of Veterans and we were endorsed by the Grand Army of the Republic at the 34th Annual Encampment held in Chicago, Illinois in 1900.
During our 35th National Encampment, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1925, our name was changed to Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Our name was later changed during our 54th National Encampment, held in Des Moines, Iowa in 1944 to Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861 – 1865.
Our Federal Charter was granted by Public Law 99-172 on December 9, 1985.
Objectives
Civil War History
Building and maintaining a Museum of Civil War history.
Library
Maintaining a library in connection with the Civil War Museum.
Preservation
Encouraging the preservation of monuments, historic sites, documents, relics and records of Union serviceman.
Celebrating
Commemorating the deeds of the Union Veterans of the Civil War on Memorial Day and Patriotic anniversaries.
Education
Disseminating and teaching American history through establishment of scholarships, the presentation of American flags to youth groups and naturalized citizens, and sponsorship of educational merit.
Patriotism
Cherishing, maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism, love of couuntry, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.
Volunteering
Caring for veterans of all wars through volunteer programs in Veterans’ Administration medical centers and in homes and other institutions maintained by the States for the welfare of American Veterans and providing aid to descendants of Union Veterans of the Civil War and those who are worthy and needy.
Community
Participating, in a spirit of cooperation and reciprocity, in programs with other societies devoted to American history, veterans’ affairs, or community interests.
