Reservations required. Registration includes all four sessions. Sessions presented by Jasie Stokes, staff genealogist at the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and Olivia Millunzi, reference librarian at the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
For organizations or vendors that would like to have a table at the workshop, please contact the Kennedy Room for more information.
EVENT SCHEDULE
10:00-10:20 Light Refreshments
10:20 Introductions & Housekeeping
10:30-11:30 Proving Your Patriot: How to Apply the Genealogical Proof Standard to
Revolutionary War Research
Many family stories claim a Revolutionary War ancestor, but how do we turn those stories into credible, documented proof? This workshop introduces the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) as the foundation for successful lineage society applications. Participants will learn how to locate key Revolutionary War and local records, evaluate and correlate sources, resolve conflicting evidence, and craft clear conclusions. Real case examples will illustrate how the GPS can transform scattered documents into a solid, provable lineage. Whether you’re just beginning your search or working toward a lineage society application, you’ll walk away with strategies to strengthen your genealogical work.
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-12:45 So He Wasn’t a Soldier- Now What?: Non-Military Service & the DAR
Not every Revolutionary War Patriot carried a gun or fought in a battle- many used other offices and actions to prove their “unfailing loyalty to the cause of American Independence.” The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) accepts a wide range of non-military service to establish Revolutionary War Patriots. Join us as we explore what
12:45-2:15 Lunch on Your Own
2:15-3:15 Patriots in Petticoats: Proving Female Patriots in the DAR
Many researchers looking for Revolutionary War Patriots hope to prove service for an elusive female patriot. Building on our earlier talk about non-military service, and using examples of previously proven female DAR Patriots, we’ll discuss what qualifies as service for female ancestors, and challenges unique to verifying service for a female Patriot. We’ll also cover types of documentation you can explore to find a female Revolutionary War Patriot.
3:15-3:30 Break
3:30-4:30 Untangling Identities: Disambiguating Same-Name Patriots and Their Descendants
One of the most challenging problems in Revolutionary War research is distinguishing between multiple ancestors or patriots who share the same name. This workshop will focus on disambiguation techniques—the methods genealogists use to separate and correctly identify individuals in the records. Using wills, probate files, militia rolls, land deeds, and family associations, we’ll explore how to tell “which John Smith is which” and avoid attaching the wrong ancestor to your lineage. Participants will examine case studies, including local examples, and work through short exercises to practice resolving identity conflicts. By the end, you’ll have practical tools to confidently verify the right patriot for your DAR/SAR application or personal family history.
Location Headquarters Library
Room Barrett Room
Category Special Events
Contact Name Christen
Contact Phone 864-596-3508