Membership
Regular and Life Membership is available to any male person of good moral character and reputation, who is a lineal descendant of one who served during the War of 1812, in the Army, Navy, Revenue-Marine, or Privateer service of, and who was at all times unfailing in his allegiance to, the United States, and who shall be declared acceptable to the Society by vote of the Executive Committee. Also, collateral descent, limited to the descendant of either a brother or sister of the participant in the war, is available. Please contact us for more information.
Eligibility:
The following service and no other shall be regarded as satisfying the requirements of the preceding paragraph:
- (1) Service as an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted man in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Revenue Marine, Flotilla Service or Voluntary Corps at any time between November 7, 1811, and July 18, 1815;
- (2) Service at any time between June 19, 1812, and February 18, 1815, as a member of the ship’s company on any public armed vessel of the United States or any vessel sailing under Letters of Marque and Reprisal issued by the United States;
- (3) Service in the militia of any state or territory or the District of Columbia duly called out for service against an armed enemy or for coast or border defense between November 7, 1811, and July 18, 1815.
- (4) Service in the forces of the United States at the Battle of Tippecanoe on November 7, 1811.
- (5) Service as the President of the United States, Secretary of War, or Secretary of the Navy between November 7, 1811 and July 18.1815.
- (6) Service as a Governor or Adjutant General of a state or territory of the United States between November 7, 1811 and July 18.1815.
If no lineal descendant can be found, a collateral descendant of a participant in the War may be admitted to represent the said participant. However, provided always, that such representation shall be limited to the descendant of either a brother or sister of the participant in the War, in right of whose services application for membership is made.
Collect and Organize Your Documentation:
When you have identified an ancestor who provides eligible service (i.e. fits one or more of the criteria listed above), you will need proper documentation to prove your lineage. This documentation will include certified birth, marriage and death certificates, probate records, wills, federal census and other records. Printed genealogies may be accepted as proof only if the genealogy is adequately documented; however it is best to rely on primary documents. You will also need adequate documentation to prove that your ancestor provided eligible service. This information can be obtained from War of 1812 Service Records at the National Archives.
Complete and Submit Your Documentation:
Complete as much of the application as you can and mail it to [email protected]
Download the membership application.