Membership in the Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is given upon the recommendation of two members of the society, a favorable vote by the Membership Committee, and confirmation by the Officers and Gentlemen of the Council. Anyone interested in membership must start by contacting an existing member in good standing, to whom the candidate is well known, to serve as sponsor.
Any male above the age of eighteen years, of good moral character and reputation, is eligible for membership in the Society of Colonial Wars, provided he be lineally descended in the male or female line from an ancestor:
- Who served as a military or naval officer, or as a soldier, sailor, or marine, or as a privateers man, under authority of any of the Colonies which afterward formed the United States, or in the forces of Great Britain which participated with those of the said Colonies in any wars in which the said Colonies were engaged, or in which they enrolled men, during the period from the settlement of Jamestown, May 13, 1607, to the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775; or
- Who held office in any of the Colonies between the dates above mentioned, as
- Director General, Vice Director General, or member of the Council, or legislative body, in the Colony the New Netherlands;
- Governor, Lieutenant or Deputy Governor, Lord Proprietor, member of the King's or Governor's Council, or of the legislative body, in the Colony of New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware;
- Lord Proprietor, Governor, Deputy Governor, or member of the Council, or of the legislative body in Maryland, the Carolinas, or Georgia;
- Governor, Deputy Governor, Governor’s Assistant, or Commissioner to the United Colonies of New England, or member of the Council, body of Assistants, or legislative body, in any of the New England Colonies.
- Justice, Judge, Justice of the Peace or other judicial officer.
Dual or Transfer Memberships
A member of the Society of Colonial Wars in another state wishing to join the Massachusetts Society should contact the Membership Committee. Once approved, the candidate must provide the Registrar a letter of good standing signed by the secretary of his original society, a copy of his original application papers, and recommendations from two members of the Massachusetts Society.
Membership Fees
Membership dues are $125 per year, or $1,500 for a Life Membership. There is a one-time application and genealogy fee for new members.