Join the SAR!
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) honors Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving communities, and educating future generations about America’s founding principles. SAR is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community service organization.
Any man 18 or older—regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background—may join if he is a citizen of good repute and a direct lineal descendant of a patriot loyal to, and who rendered acceptable service in, the cause of American independence. Service generally falls between 19 April 1775 and 26 November 1783 (with a few earlier exceptions, such as the Battle of Point Pleasant on 10 October 1774). Legitimacy of birth is not a factor if bloodline descent is documented. Family tradition alone is not proof. Two current SAR members must sponsor you; your local chapter can help.
Acceptable patriot service includes:
Signing the Declaration of Independence, the Mecklenburg Declaration (1775), the Albemarle Declaration (1779), or the Cumberland Compact (1780)
Serving in a Continental Congress
Giving material aid (supplies, loans, munitions, gunsmithing, or similar support)
Military or naval service, or furnishing a substitute
Taking part in the Boston Tea Party, Kaskaskia Campaign, Gálvez Expedition, Cherokee Expedition, or Edenton Tea Party
Defending forts or frontiers, or serving as a ranger
Being a prisoner of war, including on the prison ship Old Jersey
Serving as a physician, surgeon, or nurse, or otherwise aiding the wounded
Civil service under the Colonies
Serving on committees of safety, observation, inspection, or correspondence
Taking an oath of fidelity, allegiance, or association, or signing the Articles of Association or Association Test
Signing petitions that recognized provisional or new state governments
Acting under those governments (elections, roads, provisions, and similar duties)
Clergy or religious leaders who openly resisted British authority
SAR may accept or reject any questionable evidence. It does not give preliminary rulings on lines, service, or documentation.
How to Join in four easy steps:
Confirm eligibility. Do any of the above criteria apply to any of your ancestors? Document your direct descent from a qualifying patriot with SAR-acceptable proof.
Find your chapter. Members join the chapter nearest where they live, not where their ancestors lived. Email your state’s New Member Contact for guidance and a local registrar. A chapter map for the New Jersey Society is available at this link.
Collect your records. You can often build a documented line with modest effort if you know what is required. Focus on proof acceptable for an SAR application. Once you apply, your chapter or state registrar can help you.
Apply. Go to SAR.org and this link, and click "Join" to start your application. In the login box, click "Register." When you receive your confirmation email, log in, then open "My Applications" and create an application. Fill in at least three generations: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, then hit save. Once you hit "save," an SAR Registrar will get your email. New Jersey's New Member Contact is Robert Meyer,732 688 3758. The New Jersey State Registrar is James L. Howard, Jr., 856-562-3955, or a sponsor is strongly recommended. They can help with form details and process requirements.
Fill in as many generations as you can back to your Revolutionary War ancestor. Most applicants become Regular members. Junior membership is available for males under 18. If several eligible relatives join at the same time on the same patriot, the Family Plan may reduce cost. Dues vary by chapter and state society; your contact can explain options and fees. Application processing fees apply, but you can find New Jersey annual dues at this link. Submit application and documentation to your chapter or state registrar. Approval typically takes about 12 weeks from local review to issuance of a national number. We will contact you if we need more proof.
Alternate method to apply: A .pdf version of the application at this link. The full application guide is at this link.