Lineage Society Applications

Would you like to

  • confirm a family story about a Mayflower passenger ancestor?
  • participate in the historic preservation of efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution?
  • meet new people who also share your colonial American ancestry at the Sons of the Colonial Wars?
The wife of a local notable, East Haddam, CT.

Lineage society membership might be the perfect option. Lineage societies seek to honor ancestors from a specific time period, location, or background in two ways. First, they require their members to establish a direct link to an approved ancestor. For the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, that’s a Mayflower passenger; for the Associated Daughters of Early American Witches, it’s a woman accused of witchcraft before 1699. Second, they participate in outreach efforts reflecting the interests of those ancestors. The National Society Colonial Dames of America, for example, seeks to preserve the early history of our country. For a socially active, historically aware individual, it’s the perfect way to give back while honoring the past.

Given how busy life can be, completing the application to actually join the lineage society of your choice can feel impossible. That’s where the professional genealogists of Charter Oak Genealogy come in. Since 2011, proprietor Bryna O’Sullivan has assisted clients in building a lineage society application from start to finish. She’ll help you determine what societies you might be eligible for, identify and begin to document the eligible ancestor’s line, help you obtain any needed vital records, compile and complete the application according to the requirements of your chosen society, and follow that application through to membership. She makes the process low-stress and easy. Who has time to spend months chasing paperwork?

What does this process look like?

  1. We begin with a phone call or email identifying your goals, including a decision on which lineage society to join.
  2. We review any material you already have on this family without charge.
  3. We identify what else will need to be acquired and outline a budget.
  4. We work with you to acquire any needed documentation.
  5. We prepare your application with the society’s registrar, historian or genealogist.
  6. We walk through the process with you, addressing any issues that arise after submission without further charge.

What if I don’t know which lineage society I want to join?

Sometimes, you just don’t know what lineage societies you qualify for or which societies will best meet your goals. Charter Oak Genealogy has worked with a number of societies and can address your concerns in the initial consultation and review. Among our most population options: the Daughters of the American Revolution, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, the General Society of Colonial Wars, the Sons of the American Revolution, National Society Colonial Dames of America, and more.

How much does it cost?

Lineage society applications can vary in cost from $500 to $3,000 per application depending on the amount of research required. Application fees will be billed directly by the society and are additional. The “typical” application runs between $800 and $1500.

Ready to begin or have more questions? Contact us by email or phone.