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 acceptsContinue reading "I have Revolutionary War ancestors. What lineage societies might I qualify for?"
Lineage Society Application FAQs: Why am I being asked for extra marriages?
It seems pointless. You're being asked to document your great-grandmother's second or third spouse, the one not actually in your line. Why? Name changes. Some societies will ask for all marriages just to ensure the completeness of the genealogical record. Most will ignore additional marriages for the male but ask for them for the female.Continue reading "Lineage Society Application FAQs: Why am I being asked for extra marriages?"
Lineage Society Application FAQs: Do I need to document both spouses?
This question is a point of confusion for many lineage society applicants. The qualifying "bloodline" runs through a single spouse. Do you really need to document both? The short answer: yes. This has actually changed within the last decade or so. Originally lineage societies were focused on just documenting the bloodline. Now, they've realized thatContinue reading "Lineage Society Application FAQs: Do I need to document both spouses?"
My Lineage Society has suggested a genealogist or a genealogy firm. Do I actually need to engage them?
The short answer: no. That being said, take some time to try to make an informed choice about how best to proceed. Are you hesitating because you would prefer to do the application yourself (because of interest or finances)? Ask for instructions and be sure to take the time to read them. Lineage societies oftenContinue reading "My Lineage Society has suggested a genealogist or a genealogy firm. Do I actually need to engage them?"
Invitation or Papers?
If you're going to bring in a professional genealogist to assist with your lineage society application, when should you do so? Applicants will often start the application themselves and wait until they're involved with the process to ask for help. At this point, they do have the advantage of having access to the society's referralContinue reading "Invitation or Papers?"
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