The Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution began as the Philadelphia Chapter on

March 29, 1901.  In December, 1927, Chapter members from Germantown, Philadelphia established a separate "Continental" Chapter. Then in 1958, the two chapters merged.     Philadelphia Continental Chapter is the largest chapter in the state, and one of the five largest chapters in the National Society.  In its 117-year history, the Chapter's Compatriots have engaged in a wide range of patriotic, educational, and historical activities.

    In 1922, its Board of Management commended the Philadelphia mayor for vetoing a City Council bill which would have allowed for the temporary removal of the Liberty Bell to other sections of the country.

    In 1976, it hosted the National Society's Annual Congress for the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration.

    The Chapter has donated funds to organizations which support and celebrate the American Revolution, including:

  - Major commitment to the new Museum of the American Revolution in downtown Philadelphia,

  - Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund toward the purchase of the 45-acre battlefield site in Malvern, Pennsylvania

  - Washington Square restoration

  - Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route in Pennsylvania (W3R-PA)

  - Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge National Park restoration

  - Chapter Compatriots place individual Betsy Ross 13-star flags on close to 1500 Revolutionary graves annually.

    Our Color Guard, dressed in Continental Army uniforms, is often seen at ceremonies around the area.

    The Chapter presents awards to deserving Eagle Scouts and to R.O.T.C. cadets in nearby high schools and universities, and participates in parades and ceremonies.

    The Chapter provides scholarships to area college students attending area schools and studying U.S. history, government, or specified related fields.

    For the year 2021, dues for the Chapter are $25.00.  This, combined with the $25.00 dues of the State Society and the $35.00 of the National Society, brings total SAR annual dues to $85.00.  Life memberships are available.

    Chapter headquarters, like the State Society's, move with its Secretary's residence.