Sons of the American Revolution
Membership
Join the Sons of the American Revolution
If a male ancestor supported American independence between 1775 and 1783, you may be eligible to join the Robert Forsyth Chapter. Our Registrar guides every applicant through the process — at no cost to inquire.
Prospective Members
Eligibility · How to join · Contact the Registrar
Am I Eligible to Join the SAR?
Membership in the SAR is open to any male (18 and older as a full member, under 18 as a junior member) who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who actively supported the American cause of independence during the Revolutionary War period. The SAR accepts service rendered between April 19, 1775 and November 26, 1783.
What Counts as Patriot Service?
See “What types of patriot service qualify” in the FAQ below.
How to Join the SAR: Step-by-Step
Registrar Charles Meagher guides you through every step, free of charge. Full details are in the FAQ below.
1
Research Your Family History
Begin with family records — birth certificates, marriage records, wills, census records, and family bibles. Resources like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, your local library, genealogical societies, and courthouse records are excellent starting points.
2
Contact Our Chapter Registrar
Reach out to Charles Meagher, our chapter Registrar. He will assess your lineage, advise you on which records to gather, and guide you through the application process from beginning to end — free of charge for the consultation.
3
Gather Your Documentation
Assemble the documents that prove each generational link between you and your patriot ancestor. The Registrar will guide you on which records are required and help you locate difficult-to-find primary sources.
4
Complete & Submit Your Application
Once your documentation is in order, you’ll complete the official SAR application and submit it for review. The Robert Forsyth Chapter and the Georgia Society SAR will review and verify your lineage, then forward the approved application to the National Society.
5
Welcome to the Brotherhood
Upon approval, you’ll be formally inducted at a chapter meeting. You’ll join a fellowship of men dedicated to preserving American heritage and making a difference in their communities.
Already a Member?
Annual Dues Renewal
Current members: renew by November 1st each year. Dues, payment methods, and the Treasurer’s contact are on their own page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joining the SAR
Who is eligible to join the Sons of the American Revolution?
Any male (18 and older as a full member, under 18 as a junior member) who can prove lineal descent — through any generational path — from an ancestor who actively supported the American cause of independence between April 19, 1775 and November 26, 1783 is eligible to apply. There is no geographic restriction; you do not need to live in Georgia.
What types of patriot service qualify for SAR membership?
Military service is the most common qualifying service, but the SAR also recognizes civil service in patriot legislatures or courts, financial support to the Continental cause, signing oaths of allegiance, Minuteman service, and service as a member of a patriot committee of correspondence or safety.
What documents do I need to prove my lineage?
You need primary source documents proving each generational link — typically birth records, marriage records, and death records for each generation. For your patriot ancestor, military records, pension files, tax lists, or other contemporary documents are used to prove their qualifying service. Our chapter Registrar will guide you through exactly what is needed for your specific family line.
Where can I find records to prove my Revolutionary War ancestor?
Excellent resources include Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Fold3 (military records), RevWarApps.org (pension application transcripts), the DAR Library, state archives, local genealogical societies, and county courthouses. The National Archives holds millions of Revolutionary War pension and bounty land records.
How long does the application process take?
The timeline varies based on how readily available your family records are. Most applicants complete the process within 2–6 months from initial inquiry to formal induction. Our Registrar works closely with every applicant to keep the process on track.
What are the annual dues for the Robert Forsyth Chapter?
Total annual dues are $95, broken down as: $50 National, $20 Georgia Society, and $25 Chapter dues. Optional charitable donations to the Friends of the Library and Marshal Fund may be added. Dues are due by November 1st each year — see the Dues Renewal page for payment methods.
Ready to Get Started?
Do You Have a Patriot Ancestor?
Our Registrar will assess your lineage at no charge. Guests are always welcome at our monthly meetings.
chasm242@yahoo.com · (404) 822-6428
2nd Thursday monthly · Golden Corral, Cumming, GA