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Applying For Membership

Dear Potential Members, Visitors and fellow Compatriots,

Welcome to the web pages of the Maine Society of the Sons of The American Revolution! Our Society was formed in 189l in Portland, Maine with the objects to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men who achieved American Independence; to encourage historical research in relation to the American Revolution; to provide for the preservation of documents; relics, and records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers, sailors and patriots; to promote the celebration of patriotic anniversaries; and by these and other means to impress upon the present and future generations the patriotic spirit which actuated our ancestors and established the Republic of the United States of America. At our date of organization we recognized three hundred and forty-one Patriot ancestors who risked his or her life, property, or well being to establish the United States of America. We had three hundred twenty-eight Members who were direct lineal descendants of at least one patriot ancestor. Of our original members there were thirteen "True Sons," sons whose fathers were American Revolution Patriots. We meet a minimum of four times a year following the meeting with a luncheon, and then with a visit to a museum or location relating to the American Revolution. We are entertained and informed by a number of knowledgeable speakers regarding events, history and historical sites and battles. With Maine's large land mass and extensive coastline it was the home to many land and sea battles and staunchly defended by Maine Patriots. The naval battle at Machias, occurring between the British and Colonists early in the American Revolution, is frequently referred to as "The Lexington of the Seas." Montpelier (The Henry Knox Museum), was the former home of the famous General Henry Knox in Thomaston, ME and is considered our unofficial home. General Knox was Washington's most knowledgeable artillery officer, present with him at Valley Forge and the Crossing of the Delaware, and who served throughout the American Revolution, playing a major role in many major battles. He later became General Washington's and this country's first Secretary of War. We invite you to contact us about joining our organization as we welcome new members and are glad to help you through the various steps.

Any man shall be eligible for membership in this Society who:

  • Being of the age of eighteen years or over and a citizen of good repute in the community, is the lineal descendant of an ancestor who was at all times unfailing in loyalty to and rendered active service in, the cause of American independence, either as an: officer, soldier, seaman, marine, militiaman or Minuteman, in the armed forces of the Continental Congress, or of any one of the several Colonies or States; or as a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, or as a member of a Committee of Safety or Correspondence; or as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial Congress or Legislature; or as a recognized patriot who performed actual service by overt acts of resistance to the authority of Great Britain.
  • The applicant must also be personally acceptable to the Society. Family tradition in regard to the services of an ancestor will not be considered. No preliminary decision will be given on a line of descent, service or evidentiary value of proposed evidence. (When examined with all available evidence, such preliminary decision might prove to be incorrect and the National Society cannot accept responsibility for such a decision.)

Please contact our Registrar:

Ron Newton

registrar@messar.org

Ron will need a completed copy of your SAR Worksheet completed. He, or any other SAR member can assist you in completing this sheet.

We are a proud and active group of Compatriots from all walks of life. Many of our members have served and achieved recognition on the local, state and federal level, thereby carrying on public spirit, sacrifice and fortitude of their patriot ancestors from The American Revolution. A substantial number have carried on in their Patriot Ancestors footsteps, serving valiantly to preserve our freedom and liberty in every branch of the armed services of our great country