Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Society?

The Society of the Cincinnati is organized for patriotic, historical and educational purposes, and especially to perpetuate the memory of the patriots who by their service and sacrifice during the War of the American Revolution secured the independence of the American people.  The members of the Society are representatives of Revolutionary officers from the thirteen original states and France who meet the  Society's   membership  requirements.  The

Society seeks to inspire the Society's members manuscripts, art and memorabilia pertaining to the Revolution and to the patriots; and to promote unity and fellowship among the descendants of the patriots.  and the public at large with a profound reverence for the principles embraced by the patriots; to collect, preserve and display books,

Who are the members of the Society?
The members of the Society of the Cincinnati are eligible descendants of commissioned officers of the Continental army and navy and the French army and navy  who served in the American Revolutionary War.  Membership in the Society of the Cincinnati is governed by the rules of the individual constituent societies, which are headquartered in the thirteen original states and France.  These rules are generally consistent with the Institution of the Society but vary according to the circumstances and history of each constituent society. The General Society of the Cincinnati is the umbrella organization for the constituent societies and has no role in the admission of members. 

How can I obtain information about membership in the Society of the Cincinnati?
Descendants of eligible officers of the American Revolutionary War interested in inquiring about membership are encouraged to contact the secretary of the constituent society to which their ancestor belonged or could have belonged.  In general, an applicant seeks admission to the society to which their ancestor belonged or could have belonged, regardless of where the applicant lives.  For assistance in getting in touch with the appropriate constituent society officer, contact Anderson House at (202) 785-2040.

Is Anderson House available to the public for weddings or wedding receptions?
Only members of the Society of the Cincinnati and their immediate families can hold wedding ceremonies at Anderson House.  Non-member wedding receptions can be held at the mansion in some cases.  The mansion is generally available for other kinds of private functions.  For further information, please email us at events@societyofthecincinnati.org.

Is the General Society of the Cincinnati a grant-making agency?
The Society of the Cincinnati is not a grant-making agency.  The Society occasionally forms partnerships with other educational and historical organizations to carry out projects consistent with the society's mission to perpetuate the memory of the American Revolution, but the society does not accept applications for grant support.

Does the General Society of the Cincinnati grant scholarships?
The General Society of the Cincinnati does not give scholarships.  It does provide fellowship support to qualified researchers for use of the special collections in the Society of the Cincinnati library.