daughters of the american revolution

My ancestor served in the Army: the three types of Revolutionary War Army service

When we talk about an ancestor’s service in World War I, we’re talking about service in a single unit – the US Army. However, an ancestor who served in the American Revolution could have served in one of three different “units.” The militia tradition was very strong in the colonies. While the British Army constitutedContinueContinue reading “My ancestor served in the Army: the three types of Revolutionary War Army service”

What’s a privateer?

Although we generally focus on conflict on land, the American Revolution also occurred at sea. The British had a powerful Navy. The colonists – not so much. To help supplement their forces, they employed privateers. A privateer is a privately owned ship, given permission by their government to attack an enemy ship during wartime. TheContinueContinue reading “What’s a privateer?”

Can the same person be a qualifying ancestor for multiple societies?

Don’t worry, you’re not the first one to wonder! Your grandmother or sibling has joined one society, and you’d like to join another – using their paperwork. Is it possible? Maybe. First of all, review the qualifying ancestor guidelines for the society you’d like to join and the society your family member joined. Is thereContinueContinue reading “Can the same person be a qualifying ancestor for multiple societies?”

…”nothing is certain but death and taxes.”

Benjamin Franklin’s quote may date to after the Revolutionary War, but the payment of taxes is considered to be a source of qualifying service for both the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. But which taxes? The Sons of the American Revolution requires that the taxes “support the War.” The Daughters of the AmericanContinueContinue reading “…”nothing is certain but death and taxes.””

Is it possible to honor an Indigenous ancestor through lineage society membership?

The short answer: yes! Historically, racism has limited the number of Indigenous ancestors documented by lineage societies. That is beginning to change. The Daughters of the American Revolution has made a concerted effort to document new patriots of all backgrounds. The society now offers a “Patriots of Color” database that provides resources to identify serviceContinueContinue reading “Is it possible to honor an Indigenous ancestor through lineage society membership?”