D.A.R. Needs a Wakeup Call re DNA Evidence

Recently I read in the Washington Post about an application for acceptance into the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) lineage society. The first application was refused so the individual resubmitted using DNA results as part of the proof required. The DAR refused to accept it saying they do not accept DNA results as evidence of relationships.

This attitude puzzles me. Why would a society or organization that is supposed to be dedicated to finding the truth of relationships rule out a piece of that evidence? DNA testing is a piece of the puzzle. It's not the final answer but surely it counts towards finding the answer.

If census records, vital statistics and other documented life events  carry weight towards proving a relationship from Person A to Person B, it seems to me that excluding DNA evidence is extremely short-sighted.


Kudos to those lineage societies who do allow DNA testing as part of the submission process. Shouldn't all lineage societies keep up with technology and embrace new methods of finding the truth about our ancestors and our descent? I'm not saying the DAR was wrong to refuse the original applicaton, but I am saying they need to keep up with emerging technologies and allow DNA to be part of the proof submitted by an applicant.