Lineage societies honor our ancestors by preserving their stories and contributions. For genealogists, membership can be a rewarding way to share research, preserve records, and connect with others who value family history. While the application process may feel daunting, breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable.
Choose the Right Lineage Society
First, identify which society fits your heritage goals:
- Military-focused – e.g., Daughters/Sons of the American Revolution (DAR/SAR), United Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Union Veterans.
- Colonial ancestry – e.g., General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Jamestowne Society, National Society of Colonial Dames.
- Specialized groups – e.g., German, Irish, or ethnic-based societies, hereditary societies for pioneers, or local/regional lineage organizations.
📌 Tip: Research the society’s qualifying ancestor lists. Many provide online databases of accepted ancestors.
Confirm Eligibility
Every society has specific membership requirements. To determine eligibility:
- Review published lists of recognized ancestors.
- Check your research to see if you descend from one of these individuals.
- Make sure your lineage is direct descent (parent to child), not collateral (aunt/uncle).
📌 Tip: Some societies allow supplemental applications if you qualify through multiple ancestors.
Gather Documentation
The heart of any application is proof of lineage. Each generation from you back to the qualifying ancestor must be supported.
Strong sources include:
- Vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
- Church registers (baptism, burial, confirmation).
- Census records (linking households across decades).
- Wills, probate, and land records.
- Military records (pension applications, service rosters).
Weaker but still usable sources: obituaries, family Bibles, gravestones, published genealogies (must be carefully evaluated).
📌 Tip: Societies usually require original or certified copies—photocopies alone may not be accepted.
Build Step-by-Step
Document each generation carefully:
- Start with yourself.
- Prove each parent-child relationship with primary records.
- Continue until you reach the qualifying ancestor.
📌 Tip: Work backward. Each generational link must be fully proven before moving to the next.
Contact a Local Chapter or Registrar
Most societies operate through local or state chapters that assist applicants.
- Reach out to a registrar or membership chair for guidance.
- They may provide sample applications or review your documentation.
- Chapters often hold workshops or mentorship sessions for prospective members.
📌 Tip: A registrar can tell you if your ancestor is already “established” (previously proven), which may streamline your work.
Complete and Submit the Application
Once documentation is in order:
- Fill out the official society application form (many are now online).
- Include certified copies of supporting documents.
- Pay application and membership fees.
- Submit to the society’s registrar or admissions committee for review.
📌 Tip: Some societies take months to process applications, especially if lineage proofs must be reviewed by a national board.
Celebrate and Contribute
Once approved:
- Attend meetings, participate in projects, and enjoy fellowship with fellow descendants.
- Consider submitting additional lineages (supplementals) to preserve more family connections.
- Many societies publish member lineages, ensuring your research is archived for future genealogists.
South Central Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists 