Who can Join?
The SAR is a "Lineage Society", which means that each of our members has traced and documented their family tree to a point of having and ancestor who supported the cause of American Independence during the years 1744 - 1783
The best place to find out if your are qualified to join the SAR is to contact either the State Registrar (registrar@dessar.org) or one of the following Chapter Registrars:
- Jaquett (New Castle County) - Bob Cochran, rcochran@dessar.org
- Caesar Rodney (Kent County) - Mark Laramore, mlaramore@sbcglobal.net
- Lewestown (Sussex County) - Chris Smithson, ctsmithson@gmail.com
Registrars are very familiar with the 4 step application process and can assist you with requirements, filling out the application, and providing documentation to support your application. You can also click here for a more information as well as a detailed explanation of the 4 step application process
Why Join?
Benefits of being a member of SAR
When you join you will receive:
- From National:
- Membership certificate;
- Review, registration, and archival storage of lineage and documentation.
- State Chapter:
- Membership insignia (rosette);
- Booklet with constitution, bylaws, officers;
- Membership list.
- Annual Benefits (National):
- Four issues of The SAR Magazine;
- Opportunities to participate in the District Meeting, Trustee meetings, and the Annual Congress
- Annual Benefits (State):
- Newsletters;
- Opportunities to participate in several state events
- Annual Benefits (Chapter):
- Newsletters;
- Opportunities to participate in several chapter activities
By joining the SAR you become part of a very select group of people in the United States who can trace their ancestry back to a Revolutionary Patriot. As a member you will be able to:
- Attend Chapter meetings and hear from excellent speakers
- Recommend good people for awards and help present the awards
- Encourage youth to enter contests and sponsor their awards
- Help with an activity, join a committee, or become an officer
- Get information on patriot graves and mark a grave site
- Learn about local historical markers
- Volunteer to talk at a local school or civic association
- Join a color guard with Rev. War uniforms
Frequently, there are international travel opportunities. In 2003 and again in 2008, the SAR conducted Congresses in Paris, France, in conjunction with the 225 anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris. In 2008, there was a 12 day tour of Scotland to trace the steps of John Paul Jones, and to visit George Washington's ancestral home in England. Other SAR sponsored tour in the recent past include Germany, England, Scottland and Spain.
How much does it cost to Join?
There are one-time application fees for both the National (NSSAR) and state (DESSAR) societies:
- NSSAR One Time Application Fee = $150.00
- DESSAR One Time Application Fee = $25.00
There are also annual dues for the National (NSSAR) and state (DESSAR) societies as well as for the Chapter you join:
- NSSAR Annual Dues = $50.00
- DESSAR Annual Dues = $25.00
- Chapter Dues = $10.00
The total cost for a new applicant = $260.00