How to Join
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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 association, 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 Sons of Liberty association 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 association in the Sons of Liberty:
- Sons of Liberty Associate
- Regular SAR Membership
The first step for either type is to become a Sons of Liberty Associate. While no affiliation with the NSSAR or CASSAR is implied, Association with the Sons of Liberty gives you immediate access to everything the Chapter has to offer. No genealogical proof of any kind is required, and no confirmed Patriot Ancestor is necessary. If you do believe you have a Revolutionary War Patriot Ancestor, then please include his name and the state where the service was rendered on the form below. If not, simply leave the fields blank. Click "Pay Now" to participate with the Sons of Liberty immediately.
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 Sons of Liberty Associates 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.
Click on any of the blue tabs (Membership, Eligibility, Steps and Fees) at top to learn more.
You are eligible for Association with the Sons of Liberty if you are:
- A citizen with a good reputation in the community.
- Not an advocate to overthrow the government of the United States by use of force or violence.
- 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.
To become a Regular Member of the Sons of the American Revolution, in addition to the first two requirements, you must also be:
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.
Click on any of the blue tabs (Membership, Eligibility, Steps and Fees) at top to learn more.- Exhibit sincerity of intent in affiliating with the Sons of Liberty by sending $25 to become a Sons of Liberty Associate using the Pay Now button:
- Upon receipt, you will enjoy the benefits of an Associate of the Sons of Liberty. For those with a known Patriot Ancestor, we will direct you to resources (no fee access) to assist you in documenting your descent. Sons of Liberty Associates may also participate in workshops at Southern California Genealogical Libraries where you will receive help from a Chapter member who will act as your coach for the day. If you are not sure if you have a Patriot Ancestor, try searching the DAR database, and the SAR Patriot & Graves Index. If you do not have a Patriot Ancestor, we will work with you adopt one who died without issue, and has no one to remember them.
- If you have a qualifying Patriot Ancestor, complete a standard National SAR Application. This is a .pdf form that you can save to your computer and complete electronically. Please closely review a Model SAR Application, noting the proper formats for dates (00 MON 00), locations (City/County/State), as well as references. Please ensure your application conforms to the format and style of the Model.
- Collect and organize the necessary documentation to support your application back to your Patriot Ancestor and email the application and documentation to the Chapter. For very large files instructions will be provided on uploading without using email. Please download and familiarize yourself with our Documentation Guidelines to better understand what type of documentation is acceptable to the National Society. All materials received become the property of Sons of Liberty Chapter, SAR.
- It is critical that you clearly identify what documents support each generation. For example, all documentation for ancestors in "4th Gen" on your application must be in a folder labled "4th Gen." Documentation which is confusing or not properly annotated will not be considered. Remember, you know your genealogy, but we don't. Please make it easy for the genealogists to connect your documentation to the corresponding generation. This will speed up the application process tremendously.
- Finalize the application form or any documentation as directed by the Chapter and email them.
- 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 above organizations. The most helpful is the DAR database, but you can also find information through the SAR Patriot & Graves Index.
Association with the Sons of Liberty is only $25. There are no State or National dues until yourbecome a Regular SAR member. You can join with us today by clicking on the "Join Us Today" button on this page.
For those who wish to pusue Regular Membership in the SAR, you will have to submit proper documentation of your line to the Patriot Ancestor. We will assist you with this, and will inform you when you are ready to submit your final application.
WHEN SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL SAR APPLICATION, include three separate checks for all application and first-year membership fees:
- $110 made payable to "NSSAR"
- $20 made payable to "CASSAR"
- $15 made payable to "Sons of Liberty Chapter"
After you initial year, ongoing 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
The fee for additional supplemental applications, after your initial application has been approved, is $50 through our Chapter. Make checks for supplemental applications payable as follows:
- $80 made payable to "NSSAR"
- $10 made payable to "Sons of Liberty Chapter"
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).
Click on any of the blue tabs (Membership, Eligibility, Steps and Fees) at top to learn more.