Is there an easy way to check my Mayflower line?

Think you have Mayflower ancestors but aren't ready to delve into the research yourself? There are three good options to help you check the line. If you apply for Mayflower Lineage Match, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants will check to see what portion of the line has been documented in a previous application. ThereContinue reading "Is there an easy way to check my Mayflower line?"

Do I need to have an ancestor identified before I start the lineage society membership process?

Not necessarily. A few societies have a very restricted list of qualifying ancestors. The Society of the Cincinnati is the prime example. In order to begin the membership application process, the ancestor needs to be available - which means you need to know under which ancestor you are applying. The General Society of Mayflower DescendantsContinue reading "Do I need to have an ancestor identified before I start the lineage society membership process?"

I’d like to work with a professional genealogist. Is there anything I can do to save time or money before I contact them?

Working with a professional genealogist is a great way to get your application completed. I often get asked if there's anything a potential client can do to make the process easier. The answer is yes. Gather what records and family lore you are already have. Most people have their own birth and marriage certificates inContinue reading "I’d like to work with a professional genealogist. Is there anything I can do to save time or money before I contact them?"

Is it possible to honor an Indigenous ancestor through lineage society membership?

The short answer: yes! Historically, racism has limited the number of Indigenous ancestors documented by lineage societies. That is beginning to change. The Daughters of the American Revolution has made a concerted effort to document new patriots of all backgrounds. The society now offers a "Patriots of Color" database that provides resources to identify serviceContinue reading "Is it possible to honor an Indigenous ancestor through lineage society membership?"