Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purposes of review and I have received other books from Genealogical Publishing Company, also for review. Additionally, I know Kim from our work together in one of these hereditary societies. However, my opinions are my own and not influenced by outside sources.
As Dr. Nagy explains in the preface of this brand-new book, there are so many lineage societies in existence today that there truly is one (or two or three . . . . or more) for everybody.
Dr. Nagy’s book is a compact guide to everything an applicant needs to know to submit a society application and have it accepted the first time around, with no additional proofs needed.
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: What Is a Lineage Society?
Chapter 2: What Does a Lineage Society Do?
Chapter 3: How to Locate a Lineage Society
Chapter 4: Eligibility
Chapter 5: Beginning the Application Process
Chapter 6: Documenting Your Lineage
Chapter 7: Documenting Your Ancestor’s Qualifying Service
Chapter 8: Completing the Application
Chapter 9: What Next?
Chapter 10: Special Considerations
Appendix – Selected Society Listing
Selected Bibliography
Chapter 1 opens with a clear definition of exactly what a lineage society , often also called a hereditary society, is and how it differs from ‘heritage’ societies.
For those who aren’t familiar with lineage societies and their purpose, Chapter 2 explains the various missions of such societies, categorized as charitable, educational, historic preservation and/or patriotic. Some societies even sponsor scholarships and grants.
The remainder of the book guides the reader through the steps most likely to result in the successful acceptance of an application to a society.
The Appendix highlights some of the varied societies in existence today – which range from descendants of Jamestowne settlers to prisoners of war to American witches and everything in between.
The Bibliography includes several books on research techniques and sources for determine an ancestor’s ‘service,’ which provides eligibility status for a society applicant.
This book is concise and well-organized. For those not familiar with genealogy research techniques and the modern strict standards of proof required for acceptance to societies, The Complete Guide to Lineage Societies will take a prospective member through the process.
The Complete Guide to LINEAGE SOCIETIES: The Who, What, Where, and When by Kimberly Nagy, MD AG can be purchased online as a paperback for $19.95 or 39.95 in hardcover from Genealogical Publishing Company.