I’m working on a Sons of the American Revolution Application. My ancestor’s records aren’t in English. What do I do?

Whether you're working on a General Society of Mayflower Descendants application or a Society of Cincinnati application, it's very possible that you'll run into records that aren't in English. Most lineage societies are based in the United States. Do you need to have the records translated? Not necessarily, but it's a good idea. While manyContinue reading "I’m working on a Sons of the American Revolution Application. My ancestor’s records aren’t in English. What do I do?"

Paper or not? Do I really need to print out all of the paperwork for my lineage society application?

When you're used to researching online, organizing your application on paper can seem a little traumatic. Do you really need to print out everything? Maybe. While societies are transitioning to digital submission, the vast majority aren't there yet. The first step in your application process should always be to ask what system your chapter/local societyContinue reading "Paper or not? Do I really need to print out all of the paperwork for my lineage society application?"

I’m completing a Sons of the American Revolution Application. Do I turn in original copies of my documents?

Absolutely not! Whether the application is for the SAR, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, or another lineage society or heritage organization, DO NOT turn in original copies of your records. There are two reasons for this. First, they're not required. Second, some societies now scan the documents and shred the packet. Not only willContinue reading "I’m completing a Sons of the American Revolution Application. Do I turn in original copies of my documents?"

I’m doing a Mayflower Society application. Should I mark off what’s important on the document?

It can be really tempting to underline or highlight important facts on your documents when you're doing a lineage society application. After all, you're trying to make it easy for the registrar or genealogist. Don't! At least, don't do it yet. Why not? Societies are increasingly scanning documents for storage, and marking on the paperContinue reading "I’m doing a Mayflower Society application. Should I mark off what’s important on the document?"

I’m working on a lineage society application. What’s the best way to organize my paperwork?

Are you part way through a Daughters of the American Revolution or Colonial Dames application and struggling to figure out how to handle a pile of paperwork? Here are a few hints that might help: You'll need to know where everything came from. Don't just print out the document from Ancestry and add it toContinue reading "I’m working on a lineage society application. What’s the best way to organize my paperwork?"