organization

I’ve finished all my paperwork. I’m about to turn in my Sons of the American Revolution Application. What else should I do?

It can seem like a huge relief. You’ve done the hard work of locating your documents, filling out the application, and signing the check. You’re done, right? Technically, yes. But there are things you can do now that will save you time down the road. Applications do get misplaced, as much as we’d like toContinue reading “I’ve finished all my paperwork. I’m about to turn in my Sons of the American Revolution Application. What else should I do?”

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?”