How can I use Civil War records in my lineage society applications?

Even if you're not applying to a Civil War related lineage society, Civil War records can still help your applications in a few different ways. They can put an individual in a certain place at a certain time. If an ancestor had to register for the draft or mustered in, you know where they wereContinue reading "How can I use Civil War records in my lineage society applications?"

Avoid Common Lineage Society Mistakes: Plan for How You Spend Your Money

Almost no one goes in with a good understanding of the cost of the lineage society application process. That confusion leads people to one of two extremes. Either they assume the process should be free or they spend far too much money buying records they don't necessarily need. Planning ahead can help you spend yourContinue reading "Avoid Common Lineage Society Mistakes: Plan for How You Spend Your Money"

What does a lineage society application cost?

Updated: April 2025. Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward answer to that question. The cost depends on what society you join; where you join that society, and what portion of the lineage you need to document to complete your application. And that's before you decide whether or not to hire a professional genealogist! The first aspectContinue reading "What does a lineage society application cost?"

4 Common Lineage Society Application Mistakes – and how to avoid them

It doesn't matter whether you're joining the Dames or the Mayflower Society, lineage society application mistakes happen. But when they do, they can derail the process and leave you frustrated and struggling to finish your paperwork. Know the common errors going and learn how to avoid them. Know from the beginning this is NOT aContinue reading "4 Common Lineage Society Application Mistakes – and how to avoid them"

Did Connecticut issue bounty land for Revolutionary War service?

Enjoy a final great question from our inaugural "Tracing Connecticut Revolutionary War 'patriots'" program. First of all, what's bounty land? This finding aid from NARA offers a great brief description. In short, bounty land was a right to "public" land (owned by the state or federal government). It was issued to Revolutionary War veterans asContinue reading "Did Connecticut issue bounty land for Revolutionary War service?"