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Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before starting your application, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. This includes being a lineal descendant of a Revolutionary War patriot and understanding the values we uphold as members of the Sons of the American Revolution. The patriot ancestor in question must have:
Been a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775, the Albemarle Declaration of 1779, or the Cumberland Compact of 1780;
Been a member of any of the Continental Congresses;
Rendered material aid, such as: Furnishing supplies with or without remuneration; lending money to the Colonies, munitions makers, and gunsmiths; or any other material aid which furthered the Cause;
Served in the military or navy, including: Service during the dates falling on or between 19 April 1775 and 25 November 1783, service at the Battle of Point Pleasant on 10 October 1774 (this location and date only), or furnishing a substitute for military service;
Been a participant in the Boston Tea Party, Kaskaskia Campaign, Galvez Expedition, Cherokee Expedition, or the Edenton Tea Party;
Been a defender of forts and frontiers or a ranger;
Been a prisoner of war, including those on the British ship Old Jersey or other prison ships;
Been a physician, surgeon, nurse, or otherwise rendered aid to the wounded;
Rendered civil service under the Colonies during the dates falling on or between 19 April 1775 and 25 November 1783;
Been a member of committees made necessary by the violation of colonial rights by England or the War, such as committees of safety, observation, inspection, and correspondence;
Pledged to support the cause of the Colonies, such as: the Oath of Fidelity and Support, the Oath of Allegiance or the Articles of Association, or the Association Test;
Been a signer of petitions addressed to and recognizing the authority of the provisional and new state governments;
Accepted obligations or acted under direction of the provisional and new state governments, such as persons directed to hold elections, to oversee road construction, to collect provisions, or similar responsibilities;
Been a clergy member or other recognized leader of any religion who performed overt acts of resistance to the authority of Great Britain which could only be performed by religious leaders.
Step 2: Contact Chapter Registrar
Reach out to our Chapter Registrar for guidance through the application process. They will provide you with important information and answer any questions you may have regarding membership. Our current Washington Crossing Chapter Registrar/Genealogist is Ed Elgart (eguerrye@hotmail.com).
Step 3: Collect Appropriate Documentation/Records
Gather all necessary documents that prove your lineage and connection to a Revolutionary War patriot. Establishing proof of Service of your patriot ancestor is CRITICAL for the process. This may include birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other historical records. Then, start with your parents, grandparents and great grandparents (direct lineage) as records for these individuals should be the easiest ones to obtain and work your way up to your patriot ancestor. Use other sites like FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, SAR.org, DAR.org as starting points for clues to older generations and registered patriots (SAR & DAR databases). Note: Published family trees from Ancestry, FamilySearch and MyHeritage (either online or print) are not acceptable proof documents. Local historical societies, county/state government offices, churches, and genealogical societies are also great places to gather critical information. If you are experiencing difficulties with your own research, you may want to consider assistance from a certified genealogist. Follow this link and click on “Find a Board Certified Genealogist” (you will be navigating off the WC Chapter website) https://bcgcertification.org/
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Once you have gathered all required documentation, fill out the application form accurately. Review it carefully before submission to ensure all information is complete and correct. Washington Crossing Chapter uses the fillable .pdf below. Once completed, email the application .pdf and all proof sources to the Chapter Registrar (Ed Elgart – eguerrye@hotmail.com) ensure it is completed accurately and completely. Do not electronically sign as the application will be printed by the Registrar on appropriate paper stock for signatures prior to submission to the PASSAR Registrar. Once reviewed by the PASSAR Registrar, all documents will be submitted to the NSSAR Headquarters for final review & approval. This process will take several months, so please be patient.
Click to View/Download PowerPoint Presentation on the Application Process (Washington Crossing Chapter PASSAR version)
Click to View/Download fillable .pdf application for membership (Completed application should be emailed to the Chapter Registrar for review prior to signatures)
Click to View/Download a comprehensive Application Process Guide
