The Society of Cincinnati

About the Society of the Cincinnati

The Society of the Cincinnati is the oldest patriotic and hereditary organization in the United States. It was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together during the American Revolutionary War. The Society was established to preserve the ideals for which the Revolution was fought, promote fellowship among eligible descendants, and support historical scholarship related to American independence. The Society maintains a strong commitment to education, historical preservation, and public understanding of the Revolutionary era through its programs, publications, library, and museum.

Who the Society Represents

The Society represents the legacy of commissioned officers who served the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War and their eligible descendants. Membership is hereditary in nature and intended to be passed down through generations to preserve the memory and values of the original officers.

What the Society Does

• Preserves and promotes the history and legacy of the American Revolutionary War
• Supports historical research, education, and public programming
• Maintains archival collections, artifacts, and genealogical records
• Encourages fellowship among eligible descendants of Revolutionary War officers
• Operates the American Revolution Institute and Anderson House museum

Where the Society Operates

The Society of the Cincinnati operates through a national General Society and constituent state societies throughout the United States, as well as an affiliated Society in France. Its national headquarters, library, and museum are located at Anderson House in Washington, D.C.

Member Eligibility Requirements

Membership in the Society of the Cincinnati is hereditary and subject to strict eligibility standards. Applicants must document direct descent from a qualifying Revolutionary War officer and meet all Society requirements.

• Applicants must be a male descendant in direct lineage from a qualifying Revolutionary War officer (the propositus).
• The qualifying ancestor must have been a commissioned officer in the Continental Army or Continental Navy; militia service alone does not qualify.
• The officer must generally have served to the end of the war, resigned honorably after at least three years of service, or been involuntarily separated due to military reorganization.
• Membership is typically limited to one representative per eligible officer line at any given time.
• If the direct male line is extinct, collateral male lines may be considered in accordance with Society rules.
• Applicants must provide acceptable genealogical documentation and be judged to be of good moral character.
• Final approval of membership is granted by the appropriate constituent state society.

How Membership Is Structured

Membership is administered through constituent state societies, which review applications, verify documentation, and maintain local membership rolls. Members may participate in state and national meetings, commemorative events, educational initiatives, and Society governance.