Lineage Society

Proof Argument and the Lineage Society: It’s (really, really, really) complicated.

Most lineage society applications rely heavily on the use of direct evidence, the statements of birth, death, and marriage date and place and family relationships in original documents. Sometimes, however, those statements don’t exist. If indirect evidence, evidence that provides relevant information about the question but does not actually answer it, can be used toContinueContinue reading “Proof Argument and the Lineage Society: It’s (really, really, really) complicated.”

Transcribe or not to transcribe?

Not everyone reads handwritten documents easily. How do you proceed when you need to submit a deed, will, or other long handwritten document with your lineage society application? Short answer: ask the society! Most societies have preferences as to next steps. Typically, they request one of three things: Submit a clear image of the document.ContinueContinue reading “Transcribe or not to transcribe?”

Lineage Society Application FAQs: I’m a new registrar. What information would be helpful for new applicants?

Although I don’t actually get posed this question by registrars, I’ve seen applicants struggle with the same issues over and over. If you have the ability, creating some sort of reference material can save a huge amount of time and stress. Here are some of the common things they need to know to be successful:ContinueContinue reading “Lineage Society Application FAQs: I’m a new registrar. What information would be helpful for new applicants?”

Lineage Society Applications FAQs: Can I use my Daughters of the American Revolution paperwork to join the Colonial Dames?

This is one of the more frequent questions I see as a genealogist specializing in lineage society applications. And the answer? Maybe. Remember that there are three societies that use the nickname “Colonial Dames.” (To learn more, visit our blog post on the topic.) Ancestors qualifying for the DAR would be too young to beContinueContinue reading “Lineage Society Applications FAQs: Can I use my Daughters of the American Revolution paperwork to join the Colonial Dames?”

I have Revolutionary War ancestors. What lineage societies might I qualify for?

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 acceptsContinueContinue reading “I have Revolutionary War ancestors. What lineage societies might I qualify for?”