SAR is a Lineage Society This means that each member has traced his family tree back an ancestor who supported the cause of American Independence during the years 1774-1783. The NSSAR Bylaws do not provide for “associate members,” however many chapters (including Washingtonburg) do.

Do You Have A Patriot Ancestor? If you already know that you have such an ancestor, then please join us! 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 and the Queen of Portugal. Many patriots (or their descendants) moved to foreign lands and their descendants moved back later, not knowing their ancestors were here. Also, French, German, and Spanish soldiers and sailors fought in support of American independence and returned home without making their descendants aware of their participation.

Suppose You Don’t? Even if you cannot identify an ancestor who participated in the struggle for American Independence, you can still have hours of fun searching for information on your ancestors. Getting involved in your genealogy usually produces interesting family stories and an improved appreciation of the problems and opportunities that your ancestors had to deal with. While the lack of a documented patriot ancestor will prevent you from becoming a full member of the SAR, you may join our chapter as an associate. There are also many other societies that can help you explore your family history and meet other people of the same lineage that you have.

Regular Member Eligibility Any man is eligible for membership in this Society who is not less than eighteen years of age, a citizen of good repute, and who is of lineal descendant from a man or a woman who with unfailing loyalty served in the cause of the American Independence. Junior memberships are available to all males under the age of 18 with a qualifying ancestor. The patriot ancestor may have served as a soldier, sailor, marine, or civil officer in the colonies or states, or materially aided the cause of resistance to the authority of Great Britain. If you are interested in exploring membership into the Sons of the American Revolution, please contact us or visit the site of our National Society.

Associate Eligibility An associate may be any male age 18 or older who wishes to participate in the Washingtonburg Chapter, Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution (the “Society” herein). Associates may attend state meetings and activities. Associates cannot hold or be elected as an officer or appointed as a committee chairman of the Society at the state or chapter level. An associate may participate or be a member of the society’s state or chapter committees. An associate is not eligible to vote at either the state or chapter level. Associate will be required to complete an application as determined by the Society.