Lineage Society

Lineage Societies and Adoption: It’s complicated.

If you or an ancestor were adopted, can you still join a lineage society? The short answer: it’s complicated… Can you join a lineage society through your adoptive line? In general, no. But you may be able join a supporting group for the society. Some NSCDA societies now offer a “friends” group specifically to allowContinueContinue reading “Lineage Societies and Adoption: It’s complicated.”

Five Tips to Make Compiling Your Lineage Society application Easier

You’re done with the research. Now you need to assemble the application. What can you do to make the process easier? Make sure you have the application guidelines (and that, if you’re hiring a genealogist, they’re using the same ones): Most societies have detailed guidelines for preparing the application. They should be available in writing.ContinueContinue reading “Five Tips to Make Compiling Your Lineage Society application Easier”

How does lineage society application research differ from “academic” genealogy research?

If you’re interested in your family tree and have always heard stories about DAR or Mayflower Society eligibility, membership in a lineage society may seem like a great place to start researching your family’s history. The application process can be a wonderful introduction to genealogy research. However, there are some differences from other types ofContinueContinue reading “How does lineage society application research differ from “academic” genealogy research?”

What is an ensign?

Lineage societies decide their members based on the activities of ancestors who lived in a specific period. For the Society of Colonial Wars and other colonial societies, a commissioned military officer is considered to be a qualifying ancestor. That means if your direct ancestor served as a commissioned military officer, you are likely able toContinueContinue reading “What is an ensign?”

Five Tips to Make Researching Your Lineage Society Application Easier

You’ve done the basic inquiries; if necessary, received the invitation; and are starting on your application to the Sons of the Revolution, the Mayflower Society, or another lineage society. The process can be long and complex. Is there anything you can do make the process easier? If you haven’t already, find out what the societyContinueContinue reading “Five Tips to Make Researching Your Lineage Society Application Easier”