The SAR is a “lineage” society. This means that each member has traced their family tree back to a point of having an ancestor who supported the cause of American Independence during the years 1774-1783.
Do you have a Patriot Ancestor?
If you already know that you have such an ancestor, then you may want to jump right in and start the process. For help and to answer your questions, contact our Chapter Registrar, Bob Simpson.
Here is a map of our four chapters, choose one closest to you so you can be more involved.
Downloads:
SAR Application
SAR Application Instructions
SAR Fee Schedule
Step by Step on how-to fill out the application
If you aren’t sure whether any of your ancestors lived in the United States during the Revolution, don’t lose heart. Many people who never set foot in the United States supported the American colonists’ struggle against British domination — for example the king of Spain. Many patriots (or their descendants moved to foreign lands and their descendants moved back later, not knowing their ancestors were here before. Many French, German, and Spanish soldiers and sailors fought in support of American independence and returned home without making their descendants aware of their participation in gaining American independence.
How to get started
- First, send an email to our Chapter’s Registrar, Bob Simpson who can help you through the process.
- The principal task toward membership is documenting lineage back to an American Revolutionary War Patriot. It is primarily the applicant’s responsibility to do the research and find the needed documents. Start by scanning copies of all the birth, marriage and death certificates you possess for you, your wife, parents and grandparents. Do not purchase any documents you don’t have until the Registrar advises you what is absolutely needed.
- Keep in mind that Ancestry.com is available for use for free at most public libraries. Also, at libraries Fold3, Newspaper Archive and others.
- The Registrar team will complete the application for you once there is adequate documentation proving your lineage to a Patriot.
