So if you think you do have a Revolutionary ancestor, what’s next?

• Contact our chapter and work with our chapter Registrar, who is up to date on the newest rules for applicants, will guide you through the application process.

• Sketch out the line between you and the ancestor you have identified as your patriot. Remember, it has to be in your direct line and adoptions do not count.

• You will need proof to connect each generation between you and your Revolutionary ancestor. Another person’s tree does not count as proof; you need documentation.

• However, you can “piggyback” off proven lines. If your second cousin has already joined, you can prove your connection back to your shared great-grandparent and use that connection to join yourself.

• You do not necessarily need proof of marriage for a couple, but you do need proof of parentage.

Criteria

• Prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence

• Document each statement of birth, marriage, and death in the lineal line

• Document the ancestor's patriotic service in the Revolutionary War

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Accepted Service of Patriots

• A signer of the Declaration of Independence

• Someone who performed civil service duties

• Someone who provided patriotic service

A patriot is anyone who supported the cause for American independence through military, civil, or patriotic service which occurred between April 19, 1775 and November 26, 1783. You can go to the Accepted Revolutionary War Service page for more information.