If you or an ancestor were adopted, can you still join a lineage society? The short answer: it’s complicated…
- Can you join a lineage society through your adoptive line? In general, no. But you may be able join a supporting group for the society. Some NSCDA societies now offer a “friends” group specifically to allow applicants connected through adoption to a Dame (who joined through their biological line) to join. See https://nscda-ct.org/become-a-member/ for details of the program hosted by the Connecticut Dames.
- Can you join a lineage society through your biological line if…
- … you have your original and adoptive birth certificates? This is typically the easiest method to document a biological line for an adoptee interested in a lineage society. Submit both.
- … if you have your adoptive birth certificate and your adoption paperwork? If the adoption paperwork lists your biological line, this may work…
- … if you only have your adoptive birth certificate?
- … and the society doesn’t take DNA? Talk to the society about how to document your biological line. This may get complicated. If possible, ask for written guidelines to this end. (Many societies don’t actually have them, but the question may encourage them to consider the process more thoroughly.) Some societies will take statements from those familiar with the adoption process, biological relatives and more.
- … and the society does take DNA? Read DNA guidelines closely before proceeding. The society may ask for DNA profiles from a close relative; a report from a certified genealogist; or something else.
Questions? Contact us.