The lineage society application process can feel overwhelming. However, if you have siblings joining together, there are ways to save time and money.
If you’re joining the same society,
- at the same time,
- ask about family plans. Some societies offer discounted application fees for multiple family members
- submit together. If you’re joining the same local organization of the society and use the same ancestor, societies will often allow you to submit only one set of supporting documentation. This can save on mailing fees, and if you’re employing a professional genealogist to help, preparation time.
- at different times,
- ask about legacy status or if you can refer to a prior application. This allows you to “link” to your family member’s application and often, only submit documentation where the line differs. At minimum, it’s a time saver. (Some societies permit this “linking” if you are not closely related. Be sure to ask!)
If you’re joining a different society,
- use the same ancestor. If the ancestor meets the qualifications of both societies, you can save time and money on research by only researching one line.
- share research. Even if the same ancestor cannot be used, you can share work on the overlapping part of the line with the same impact.
- ask if the society will allow you to refer to the application from your sibling’s society. Some societies will allow you to submit applications from another society as proof. The Sons of the American Revolution will, under certain circumstances, allow verified applications for the Daughters of the American Revolution to be submitted as proof. The Society of Colonial Wars accepts Colonial Dames and Mayflower Society applications, provided they meet certain criteria.