Unlocking Family History with Lineage Societies

One of the most fascinating research strategies is through lineage societies, organizations that preserve heritage by requiring members to prove descent from specific ancestors or communities. Whether your family traces back to the Mayflower, Revolutionary War patriots, or immigrant pioneers, these societies can open doors to valuable resources and networks to support your research.

Lineage societies are membership organizations where admission is based on documented proof of ancestry. They serve multiple purposes: preserving history, fostering community, and encouraging high standards of genealogical research. Some are nationally recognized, while others focus on local or ethnic heritage. They are not about “better” ancestry but about documenting connections to history and ensuring that records are preserved for future generations. Lineage societies are often custodians of rich genealogical archives, including:

• Verified lineage applications connecting living descendants to historic ancestors.

• Supporting documents such as wills, deeds, military service files and church registers.

• Published lineage books, rosters, or society yearbooks.

• Specialized libraries and research centers (for example, the DAR Library in Washington, D.C.).

• Journals, newsletters, and historical publications.

• Even if you don’t join, these resources can provide evidence to break through genealogical “brick walls.”

Some of the benefits of joining a lineage society include access to member-only records and archives, assurance that your family history is preserved in a reputable archive, opportunities to participate in heritage events, commemorations, and educational initiatives, and a sense of community with others who share a historical connection.

It's important to consider that membership may require rigorous documentation, which may take time to assemble. Fees vary by organization. Some lineages are under-documented (especially for women, minorities, or marginalized communities), which may make eligibility harder to prove. Some societies have their own histories, including moments of exclusion; many are working today toward greater inclusivity.

Here are a few examples of different lineage societies.

Colonial and Revolutionary America

• https://themayflowersociety.org/ – descendants of the 1620 Mayflower passengers

• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – descendants of Revolutionary War patriots

• Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) – male counterpart to DAR

• Society of the Cincinnati – descendants of officers of the Continental Army and Navy

• Jamestowne Society – descendants of Virginia settlers before 1700

Ethnic and Heritage-Based

• General Society of the War of 1812

• Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

• United Daughters of the Confederacy

• Descendants of Mexican War Veterans

Ethnic and Heritage-Based

• Huguenot Society of America

• Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)

• The Holland Society of New York

• Society of California Pioneers

• Jewish Genealogical Society, Inc. (JGSNY) – part of a larger network of Jewish genealogy groups worldwide

Lineage societies remind us that our ancestors were part of larger historical movements including settlement, independence, migration, and war. By preserving records and encouraging careful documentation, these organizations ensure that individual family stories are not lost to time.

Whether you choose to apply for membership or simply explore their resources, lineage societies can deepen your research and provide context for your ancestors’ lives. Along the way, you may discover not only new facts but also a deeper sense of belonging, to both your family and the broader sweep of U.S. history.

Additional Resources

1. Hereditary Society Community - An Alphabetical Listing of all Active Hereditary Societies

2. Hereditary Organizations in the United States (Wikipedia)

3. Lineage Societies (American Ancestors, Summer 2018)

Tobias History Research is a premier provider of history research and archives management services. With 20+ years of professional experience, founder Vicki Tobias helps clients expertly discover their history and enthusiastically share their stories. Learn more about her services.