Becoming an SAR Member

GJBSAR in Parade
Whether you are an SAR member, associate member or a guest, we have activities and meetings for all to enjoy.
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If you think you have an American Revolutionary War patriot in your family history, let us help you put together the materials to apply as an SAR member. 
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For an introduction to the many activities that involve SAR members peruse the SAR.org website and the SAR YouTube video library.  Follow along below for helpful information and support for joining through our local GJBSAR chapter.

Do You Qualify?

In general, military or government service under the Colonies from April 19, 1775 to November 26, 1783, inclusive, by your ancestor, will qualify you for membership in the SAR. Additionally, certain "pre-war" service is acceptable, such as participation in the Battle of Point Pleasant (October 1774), the Boston Tea Party (December 1773), and others too numerous to list here. Certain civilian services, such as supplying provisions, manufacturing war materiel, or membership on Committees would also be acceptable. If there is any doubt about an ancestor's service, the General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter will be glad to help clarify your eligibility.
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How To Apply


​The SAR new member Application Worksheet in now an online process.  To access the step by step help applying visit the main SAR.org site and create a new login.  See below for options on completing the member application.

Help with creating an SAR member login and navigating the resources for members 
​[YouTube Video Link]

For help applying through our local GJBSAR chapter, contact these important GJB members:

GJBSAR Membership Chair
Rick Milner
​GJBSAR Genealogist & Registrar
Steve Kern 
The first step is to determine what membership option you are interested in pursuing.  Selection of an option will determine the application fee and annual membership fee.  Check with your local chapter for the current fees for becoming a member.  This covers all National and State application fees and the first year annual dues for General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter.

The SAR worksheet and example applications (in process) are available for your own records or to provide information to the General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter  Registrar.   However, all members (current and prospective) are encouraged to use the new online SAR application process at www.sar.org.   Information about the new online application is available from links on this GJB webpage and in the Online Application Manual.  Members of the GJB chapter as well as the Membership Chair and the Genealogist/Registrar are here to help you!

Once you have filled out the worksheet or online application with information from your genealogical research, it should be reviewed with the Chapter Registrar to identify possible problems in processing the application, and to advise or assist you with them. As you work through the application and generations, the necessary sources will be collected that will be sent with your application.  When the worksheet appears acceptable, the Chapter will prepare the formal application on the necessary watermarked paper for submission to the National Society.
 
In addition to two signed copies of the application, two checks will be needed, one for the National Application Fee (NSSAR ), one for the Illinois State Society Fee (ILSSAR).   We must have these before the final application can be submitted. Reduced fees apply based upon the type of membership selected as indicated above (supplemental, junior or memorial). 

SAR OPTIONS FOR APPLYING
We all have our preferred way and abilities to use computers, so SAR offers among three approaches to compiling your application.  These are noted below.  

OPTION #1 – NSSAR DIGITAL APPLICATION
This option allows for your data to be captured for future supplemental patriot ancestor applications and allows the SAR application helper to electronically access your application for real time guidance and assistance. This is the preferred method for most SAR membership applications. Use the SAR Digital Application Guideto assist with using the system. Please make sure that you print off the application and give it to your Chapter Registrar to begin processing. This is not an automated system (yet).  
​Create Your User Account. Click the My Applications Link (Once Logged in)
OPTION #2 – ADOBE PDF APPLICATION This option is recommended for those with limited Internet access who don’t mind meeting with their helper in person for assistance in completing their application. Please make sure you download this to your local PC for data entry or ALL data entry and/or changes will be lost.
PDF SAR Application
OPTION #3 – MICROSOFT WORD APPLICATION
This option is recommended for those with limited Internet access who don’t mind meeting with their helper in person for assistance in completing their application. This application requires Microsoft Word or its equivalent.
Word SAR Application

Tips for Applying

Select online genealogical sites that may prove helpful:
We can provide a worksheet and example applications (in process) that have proven helpful to many applicants in organizing the genealogical proofs necessary for membership. But, what are acceptable proofs?  
 
Official copies of birth or baptismal records showing the names of parents should be submitted wherever possible. When birth or baptismal records are not available, a combination of the following may be substituted therefore: photocopies of actual census records, land records that mention relations, marriage records which show parentage, wills, probate court records (or other court records in which relationships are mentioned, such as land dispute or divorce matters), church records or Bible records (include a copy of the title page).
 
Family histories and genealogies may be accepted as evidence. If the family history or genealogy was authored by the applicant or a member of his immediate family, copies of the sources used for the compilation must be furnished.
 
You may rely on the application of a SAR or DAR relative to gain membership, but you should be aware that many older applications may have been based on proofs that do not meet modern genealogical criteria, so you may be asked to provide additional documentation.
 
The record of the service of your Patriot Ancestor should be as complete as possible. Dates of birth and death are especially important. Indicate all sources of information regarding military or civil service, with photocopies of each document relied on for the information. Indices of patriotic service are not acceptable.
 
Also, please consider your children for membership in the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution. 

If you are considering membership in one of our adjoining counties, please visit our Illinois state or National SAR websites for more information.
We Are Here To Help!
​Our goal is to help you get in, not to keep you out!
Don't hesitate to contact these key GJBSAR members:

GJBSAR Membership Chair
Rick Milner
​GJBSAR Genealogist & Registrar
Steve Kern 
Don't give up because some information is questionable, because you seem to have run out of places to look for information or documents, or you find the application process and form needing some clarity. We have helped many of our members through the process of getting their Revolutionary War Patriot officially recognized through membership in the Sons of the American Revolution and helping them become an active member of the General Joseph Bartholomew SAR chapter.  
 
To make this as simple as possible, here is the basic material the GJB Registrar/Genealogist needs to get you started.  Feel free to contact both the GJBSAR Registrar and the Membership Chair by email or in person to work through our helpful process and to supply these documents and application details:

  1. Applicant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number.
  2. A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.  It does not need to be a certified copy. 
  3. A copy, if married, of the spouse’s birth certificate and marriage certificate if the spouse is to be included on the application.
  4. A copy of the parents and grandparents birth certificates and, if applicable the death certificates or obituaries.  If copies are not convenient please provide the dates of birth with locations plus, if applicable, the date of death and location.
  5. If known, the name of your Patriot who was involved with the American Revolution.
  6. The name and membership number of any blood relative who is/was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and/or Sons of the American Revolution.

From this information the GJB Chapter Genealogist/Registrar will pursue preparing a preliminary application along with supporting documentation for your review with any missing details or documentation.  After the final application has been signed and payment for the necessary State and National application fees have been received, the GJB Registrar will review the final application for mailing to the Illinois SAR Registrar (ILSSAR) who will review the application. Finally, the application is sent on to the National SAR (NSSAR) Registrar and Genealogy Departments for review and approval. 

Then, we as GJBSAR members welcome you as a new SAR member and Compatriot