When you assume... Lineage Societies

I have completed many lineage society applications.   National Huguenot Society and Huguenot Society of America,  Jamestowne Society (multiple), General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Daughters of Cincinnati, the NSDAR National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, among many others.

I can say without a doubt that the NSDAR application is by far the most challenging.  The NSDAR has its own chapters and its own people designated to fulfill certain jobs within those chapters.  The NSDAR provides its own guidance and support in filling out an application.  No charge.  No hiring needed.

When I work with clients, I always advise them of those facts first.  It is my ethical duty as a professional genealogist.  Performing in any way other than in the best interest of the client is something I will not do.  It should not be assumed that genealogists would work with clients and leave out the details of what the NSDAR offers.  At least this genealogist wouldn’t. 

Some clients will contact and fully use the services provided by the chapters and regents. Some clients prefer that I pull the records, and they will complete the application with an NSDAR chapter.

And yet one dear client from out of state turned the entire application over to me. She didn’t have the time and trusted my work. I pulled the records for my client who then entrusted me with the entire application.   An officer from the chapter she was joining, (not in my state), who handled applications from all over their state, emailed me a great thanks for helping to complete the application due to her own workload, “I am grateful that you did it (the application) for her.”  I still have that email as proof.

As I mentioned, it was by far the most challenging lineage society application I have ever completed, right down to the proper way format Family History Library Films and the addition of complete details including “U.S.” on Ancestry documentation if included.   I had to review the updates to the application process added in April of 2023 at the very time I was completing the application.

My point is, I did it.  I am thorough, and I did it well.  We submitted the application through my client’s preferred chapter, and it was accepted with no errors, no AIR, and no corrections.

My advice to clients will ALWAYS be and ALWAYS has been checking with the chapter you are interested in joining first.  I guess my other point is this:  Don’t assume a professional genealogist would do anything less simply because they own a business and typically get paid.  Some genealogists may operate that way but not me. 

However, in returning to the view of the genealogist: if someone has a talent with lineage societies that can be used to help with the application process, and if chapters appreciate the help because it meets quality standards, and if a client trusts me or prefers me to complete the application, that effort should be welcomed.

I will always be there to help in ANY way I am needed.  This will be done within the ethical boundaries of genealogy work.  I can’t say this for every genealogist, but when you assume…