A lineage society – also called a hereditary society – determines its membership by descent from an ancestor who participated in certain activities. There are multiple societies covering ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War era. Typically, societies are only open to one gender.
Women’s Societies:
National Society Colonial Dames of America: As NSCDA accepts ancestral service dating up to 4 July 1776, some Revolutionary War ancestors will be eligible. Membership requires an invitation.
Daughters of the American Revolution: The best known Revolutionary War era society.
Daughters of the Cincinnati: Based in New York, the Daughters of the Cincinnati rely on the same ancestor list as the Society of the Cincinnati.
Men’s Societies:
Society of the Cincinnati: The nation’s oldest lineage society, it requires descent from a Continental line officer
Sons of the American Revolution: Qualifying ancestor roles include military service, civil service and more.
Sons of the Revolution: Qualifying ancestor roles include military service, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and service in state governents.