Any male (regardless of age or residence) shall be eligible for membership in the SAR who is a citizen of good repute in the community; and a lineal descendant of an ancestor who was unfailing in loyalty to and rendered acceptable service in the cause of American Independence between 19 April 1775 and 26 November 1783.
The SAR accepts as patriotic service: signing a pledge of association to the patriot cause, paying taxes specifically collected to support the war, serving in a civil capacity, serving in the Continental armed forces or local militia. The SAR does not restrict membership on basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, nation or citizenship, or residency.
If you are interested in joining the Henry Leavenworth Chapter, please contact our Vice President of Membership by clicking on this link.
- The Genealogist will research your ancestry and determine if you have a Revolutionary War ancestor.
- If the Genealogist determines that you descend from a patriot of the American Revolution, he will request copies of your birth certificate and birth, marriage (and death) certificates of your parents and grandparents.
- The Chapter Genealogist often can find documentation for ancestors from great-grandparents to the patriots but may need some of this documentation from you.
- The Chapter Genealogist will prepare your SAR application and meet with you so you can review and sign the application and submit payment.
- Applications for membership in the SAR normally cost $170 which includes genealogical verification and the current year's national, state and chapter dues. The fee for members under 18 is significantly less and there is a cost savings if two or more family members join together.
DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
To quote the SAR Bylaws, “Any male shall be eligible for membership in the SAR who is a citizen of good repute in the community, and a lineal descendant of an ancestor who was at all times unfailing in loyalty to and rendered acceptable service in the cause of American Independence”.
The SAR accepts patriotic service rendered, with some exceptions, for the period between 19 April 1775 and 25 November 1783.”
Membership in the SAR requires documented, acceptable evidence that your ancestor participated in one or more of the capacities of service to the basic 1776 revolutionary cause.
Please note that family tradition alone, in regard to the services of an ancestor, will not be considered proof.
No preliminary decision will be given with respect to a line of descent, service, or whether proposed evidence is acceptable.
When properly examined in context with all available evidence, preliminary decisions might prove to be incorrect and the SAR will not participate in rendering improperly formed evidentiary decisions.
We reserve the right to accept or reject any evidence submitted.