This is a partial listing (in no particular order) of some of the more popular lineage societies. For a more complete list, visit www.hereditary.us, or see The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy, “Hereditary and Lineage Organizations” by Lloyd Bockstruck of the Dallas Public Library.
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage society that is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, dedicated to patriotism, historic preservation, and education. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. DAR defines a “patriot” as one who provided service or direct assistance in achieving America’s independence.
www.dar.org
Denton County has two chapters: Benjamin Lyon in Denton, and Cross Timbers in Lewisville/Flower Mound.
National Society, Sons of the American Revolution
The Sons of the American Revolution is a male “lineage” society that perpetuates the ideals of the war for independence. Any man 18 years or older must trace their family tree back to a point of having an ancestor who supported the cause of American Independence during the years 1774-1783.
www.sar.org
Denton County has one chapter in Denton; several other chapters are very active in the DFW area, especially through the Color Guard.
www.txssar.org
The Texas Society is one of the larger and most active State Societies.
Children of the American Revolution
The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution is an organization of persons through 21 years of age who are lineal descendants of a patriot of the American Revolution. The C.A.R. is an independent organization that looks to the DAR, SAR and SR for its leadership and financial support. Direct descendants of SAR and DAR members, age birth through 22 years, are eligible for membership.
www.nscar.org
The DFW area has several local societies in Plano, Dallas, Garland, and Fort Worth.
General Society, Sons of the Revolution
The General Society, Sons of the Revolution seeks to perpetuate the memory of the patriots who risked their lives during the Revolution. It is open to lineal, male descendants of patriots who served loyally as soldiers, sailors, or marines under the Continental Congress, or in Colonial or State armed forces, or in Continental or Colonial legislatures, or were signers of the Declaration of Independence.
www.sr1776.org
There is a Texas Society, Sons of the Revolution
The General Society of Mayflower Descendants
Any person able to document their descent from one or more of the Mayflower Pilgrims is eligible to apply for membership in the Mayflower Society.
www.themayflowersociety.com
Of the 9 Colonies in Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth Colony is local to us.
www.texasmayflower.com
Jamestowne Society
Membership in the Jamestowne Society is by invitation and in accordance with the Society’s bylaws. Begin the application process by contacting a member of the Jamestowne Society or the Jamestowne Society Company most convenient to you, and expressing your interest in becoming a member. Prospective members must demonstrate descent from a Qualifying Jamestowne Ancestor to the satisfaction of the Society genealogist.
www.jamestowne.org
Daughters of the Republic of Texas
Any woman having attained her sixteenth (16th) birthday is eligible for membership, provided she is personally acceptable to The DRT and is a lineal descendant of a man or woman who rendered loyal service for Texas prior to the consummation of the Annexation Agreement of the Republic of Texas with the United States of America on the nineteenth day of February, eighteen hundred forty-six (19 February 1846).
www.drtinfo.org
Denton County has one chapter, Peters Colony.
The Winthrop Society
These first settlers, numbering scarcely one thousand, hailed mainly from the English counties of Suffolk, Essex and Dorset. Although of comfortable estate in England, they abandoned their homes and farms, and made a perilous Atlantic passage to settle in an unknown wilderness. They were spurred on by a compelling need to pursue their religion free from the persecution of the Crown-Church of England. About one-third perished during or soon after their voyage, and may be considered peace-loving Christian martyrs for their faith. The Society currently consists of over 500 descendants of the first settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
www.winthropsociety.com
Sons of Confederate Veterans
The SCV is the direct heir of the United Confederate Veterans, and the oldest hereditary organization for male descendants of Confederate soldiers. Organized at Richmond, Virginia in 1896, the SCV continues to serve as a historical, patriotic, and non-political organization dedicated to ensuring that a true history of the 1861-1865 period is preserved. Membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans is open to all male descendants of any veteran who served honorably in the Confederate armed forces.
www.scv.org
Colonial Dames XVII Century
Any woman of good moral character, eighteen years of age or over, is eligible for membership, provided she has been invited by the Society, is eligible through birth parents or adopted parents if there is a blood relationship to the applicant, and is the lineal descendant of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the Original Colonies in the geographical area of the present United States of America. Membership is in the National Society but members join through Chapters. Admission into the Society is by invitation and the endorsement by two members, to whom the applicant is known personally, and approval of lineage papers by the President General, Registrar General and Treasurer General. Documentary proof of an ancestor’s service prior to 1701 is required.
www.colonialdames17c.org