How to Join

The Sons of Liberty is the premier historical, patriotic, genealogical and fraternal organization in the Los Angeles area.

There are many reasons to become member of the Sons of Liberty today.  For example, many new genealogists are confident they have a Patriot Ancestor, and would like to join the Sons of the American Revolution, but have not compiled the “paper trail” yet.  By joining today, you can immediately enjoy the benefits of membership, which include access to genealogical help; fellowship with others interested in the history, philosophy and legacy of the Revolution; and participation in the historic, patriotic and educational outreach programs of the Chapter.

Other men are drawn to Chapter Membership who have no Patriot Ancestor, but feel a strong connection to the ideals of the Revolutionary period, and want to actively communicate the vision of the Founders to a new generation of Americans.  In addition to being involved with important work and a prestigious community, those with no Patriot Ancestor will be encouraged to adopt one who performed service to the Cause, but died without issue.  This is a great way to honor those who have no descendant to honor their memory.

We offer two distinct types of membership in the Sons of Liberty:

1. Chapter Membership
2. Regular SAR Membership

The first step for either type is to become an Chapter Member of the Sons of Liberty. This gives you immediate access to everything the Chapter has to offer. No genealogical proof of any kind is required. You only need meet the first two requirements under the "Eligibility" tab.

Those with a Patriot Ancestor will be encouraged to become a Regular Member of the SAR as soon as possible. The Chapter will actively assist Chapter Members with their genealogical documentation and speed the membership process. We will help you find and document a Patriot Ancestor. We do this by teaming you with a coach who helps you with every step of the application process, and by holding regular genealogical workshops in the Los Angeles area. Our goal is to get your application approved in as little time as possible.

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You are eligible for Chapter Membership in the Sons of Liberty if you are:

1. A citizen with a good reputation in the community.
2. Not an advocate to overthrow the government of the United States by use of force or violence.

To become a Regular Member of the Sons of the American Revolution, in addition to the first two requirements, you must also be:

3. The lineal descendant of an ancestor who was loyal to and rendered active service in the cause of American Independence, either as an officer, soldier, seaman, marine, militiaman, or Minuteman, who served in the armed forces of the Continental Congress or any of the several Colonies or States; or as a Signer of the Declaration of Independence; or as a member of a Committee of Safety or Correspondence; or as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial Congress or Legislature; or as a recognized Patriot who performed actual service by overt acts of resistance to the authority of Great Britain.

Don't give up the search even if you aren't sure whether any of your ancestors lived in the United States during the Revolution. Many people who never set foot in the United States supported the American colonists' struggle against British domination -- for example, the King of Spain. Many Patriots (or their descendants) moved to foreign lands and subsequent descendants returned to America unaware of their ancestors having lived here earlier.

Many French, German, and Spanish soldiers and sailors fought in support of American Independence and returned home without making their descendants aware of their participation in gaining American Independence. Remember to consider all possibilities. Your search is a fun way to learn more about your family tree.

The SAR does not restrict membership based on race, color, religion, national origin, or nation of citizenship or residency. Marriage (and its documentation) for the several generations going back to the Patriot Ancestor may be required. Legitimacy in any generation is not a requirement. Descendants of plural marriages are not excluded from SAR membership. Bloodline descent -- legitimate or illegitimate -- from a Patriot Ancestor is what is required and must be documented. You must also have two members recommend you for membership.

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1. Exhibit sincerity of intent in affiliating with the Sons of Liberty by sending $25 (pre-paid Chapter Member dues) using the form below. If you believe you have a Revolutionary War Patriot Ancestor, please include his name and the state where the service was rendered on the form below. Secure payments via PayPal. Clicking "Pay Now" will take you to the PayPal site to complete the transaction (you do not need a PayPal account to use the form).

   Patriot Ancestor Name (if known):

   State of Service (if known)

   
2. Upon receipt of the Chapter Member dues, you will enjoy the benefits of Sons of Liberty membership. For those with a known Patriot Ancestor, we will conduct a search to determine your eligibility based upon the Revolutionary War antecedents you have named. Multiple searches may be conducted. If you do not have a Patriot Ancestor, we will work with you to find one, or to adopt one who died without issue.
3. If a qualifying ancestor is found, you will complete a standard National SAR Application. This is a .pdf form that you can save to your computer and complete electronically. Collect and organize the necessary documentation tracing your lineage back to your Patriot ancestor and email to the Chapter.
4. Upon confirmation from the Chapter, update the application form and email it along with scans of all primary and secondary source information supporting your lineage back to your Revolutionary War Patriot. All materials received become the property of Sons of Liberty Chapter, SAR. When submitting scans of published historical text, please include a copy of the title page.
5. Acceptable secondary lineage documentation in lieu of the above expressed need for individual copies of primary and secondary supporting documentation: You may be able to save a great deal of effort if you can identify a parent or relative of an earlier member or members of the SAR, DAR, or CAR. "Record Copies" of original applications of relatives can be obtained from the National Offices of the above organizations. Same may be accepted for the purpose of establishing your own lineage (does not preclude the need for a copy of your own birth certificate). Please advise us of your need for Request Forms, as the above organizations will nor forward Record Copies unless the proper form & fees are received.

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Chapter membership in the Sons of Liberty is only $25 annually. There are no State or National dues. You can join today by clicking on the "Join Us Today" button on this page.

Membership in the Sons of the American Revolution is $65 annually which includes:

Discounted Chapter annual dues: $15

California State Society annual dues: $20

National Society annual dues: $30

Sons of the American Revolution membership application fees are $80 for the National Society and $20 for the State Society, plus first year's dues for each.

Lesser application dues and fees structures exist for Children of the American Revolution (CAR) members under 22 years of age, and also if they are a SAR or DAR relative under 25 years of age. Life memberships are also available for younger individuals affiliating. If you have questions, please contact us (go to contact page and select "Membership Questions" from the drop-down menu).

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