Joining a genealogical organization is mainly about honoring your ancestors and recognizing their contribution to history. But there are many other reasons to embark on the journey of application.  Below is an outline of some of the benefits of joining and some general information about these organizations.

 

There are three main types of lineage societies:

 

• “Pioneer” or “First Families” programs, often sponsored by state and county genealogy societies, honor people who were early settlers of an area

• Military lineage societies honor ancestors who served in a war; the Daughters of the American Revolution is the most famous military lineage society

• A common trait, such as sailed on the same ship, the same occupation, etc. The Mayflower Society is an example.

 

Reasons to Consider Joining a Lineage Society

                    

1. It will improve your research

 

The documentation requirements for lineage societies have become much more stringent in the past few years. Some societies, such as the DAR, won’t allow new applicants to use old applications as proof of lineage because applications accepted in years past do not have sufficient documentation for current applicants. So new applicants will need to fully research every link in the chain back to your ancestor.  This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, etc.  During this process you will accumulate large amounts of information on your family's history. 

 

2. It will improve your documentation

 

All of the societies with which I have finished the application process have rigorous standards for proving each link in the genetic chain leading back to that particular ancestor. Fortunately, today, most of the records you require will be available online. There are several large organizations that can provide this documentation.

 

3. You’ll gain a fuller picture of your ancestor.

 

You will have real insight into the lives of your ancestors.  Such items as birth certificates, marriage certificates, land grants, court proceedings, military service, census records, death certificates, and many more life events are documented in most cases.  Through these records and the timeline you establish, you will have a real picture of their life.

 

4. Your documentation will be preserved.

 

Most lineage societies archive the application and the supporting documents. That means that your research would be compiled and preserved somewhere other than with you.

 

5. It is a way to pass on this knowledge to your descendants.

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I originally started on this researching journey when I first heard that one of my husband's ancestors had served in the Revolutionary War.  I was hooked at this point, and I began my journey through the numerous archives available online. When I found documentation proving that this was true, I shared this knowledge with my children.  They were young at the time and they did not fully understand its significance.  I then wrote a historical story to help them understand that William was a person just like anyone here today.

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My enthusiasm for researching my family history grew, and other members of my family joined in the research.  We shared information we found, and discussed its significance. Eventually this led to applying for several genealogical organizations for my husband and my children.

 

Soon after this I decided to post my information on the internet so other Keysers would find it online. I hoped that other Keyser researchers would be able to more easily find the documents I had worked to hard to accumulate.  Through this website I have been contacted by Keyser descendants all over the United States, and made many new friends. Overall it has been an extraordinary experience.

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Below are some tips for applying to a society.

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1. Read the Current Rules

 

Different societies have different rules about what they will accept as proof. Some require certified copies, but most will accept regular photocopies. The society’s rules for documentation should fully explain what documentation will be required.

 

Even if you’ve applied to that society previously, don’t assume that the rules are the same now as they were at that time. They may have changed or restricted eligibility standards. For instance, recently DAR has started accepting DNA as proof of lineage.

 

This is also a good time to see how the society would like you to label your documentation. Some will want a citation written on the front; some will want you to number the document and put the citation on a separate numbered list.

 

2. Make Copies of Your Documentation

 

Never EVER send in an original record or photograph - only send copies. You will not be getting your application or documentation back in all cases of which I am aware.  Keep COPIES of all of the documentation you are planning on sending in together.  I also found it helpful to group it by person and keep items in chronological order.

 

3. Ask Questions

 

You might have questions even after reading the current rules for that society. If you do, ask your society's registrar. The registrars want you to succeed. They want you to honor your ancestor. They’re not trying to deny your membership. They should help you navigate the process.

 

4. Start Early

 

If the society you’re applying to has a deadline, don’t wait until the week before to start working on it. It will take you much longer to compile than you may expect, especially if it’s your first time applying.  Give yourself time to compile and to ask questions. You’ll also want to leave yourself time to get any further documentation that is required.

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About the Application Process - My Experience

 

I found the process of applying for membership for my children and husband in Children of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, and Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge to be an often difficult process.  Much real incontrovertible evidence is required at each generational level, and all of the documents submitted are closely examined by the society’s genealogist.  In many cases I had to do additional research and resubmit documentation.  In fact, one of the reasons that I started this web page was to make these documents that I worked so hard to obtain widely available to other Keysers so their journey may be a little easier.

 

To give you an idea of what the process has been like applying for membership in the three organizations above, my first step was to go to the organization’s web site and read the rules as to who is eligible.  I then downloaded the application and set out obtaining the documentation required.  When I felt I had everything I needed and the application was completed, I then selected a chapter of the organization in my area (through the organization’s main web site) and contacted a representative of that chapter.  I then sent in copies of my documentation and my filled-in application to the chapter representative/registrar.  After a few months of back and forth with the registrar, the application and documentation was sent to the organization’s genealogist.  After several weeks to months, the genealogist usually sent a message indicating where additional documentation would be required.  Then more digging, and submitting the additional documents.  And, in the end, if all goes well, acceptance.  It is important not to be discouraged with the time required and the requests for documents.  The chapter representatives are usually really encouraging and patient.  Lastly, after acceptance, there are usually yearly dues required.