Question 1

What is Lineage Membership?

Accepted Answer

Lineage Membership is reserved for those who can document and verify an ancestral connection to African American patriots and soldiers — including those who served in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War (United States Colored Troops).

Question 2

Who qualifies for Lineage Membership?

Accepted Answer

Any person of legal age who can provide documentation tracing their ancestry to a qualifying patriot or soldier of color. Lineage is established through historical records, vital records, and/or genealogical research.

Question 3

What is Heritage Membership?

Accepted Answer

Heritage Membership is for those who may not yet have verified lineage documentation but are deeply committed to the mission, values, and work of DHF — including cultural preservation, education, and community impact.

Question 4

Can I become a Lineage Member later if I start as a Heritage Member?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many members begin in Heritage while researching their ancestry. Once you are able to document a qualifying lineage, you may submit that documentation for review and transition to Lineage Membership.

Question 5

What kind of documentation is accepted for Lineage Membership?

Accepted Answer

Accepted documentation includes military service records (such as USCT records and pension files), census records linking generations, birth, marriage, and death certificates, wills, deeds, Freedmen's Bureau records, and verified genealogical research from a recognized source.

Question 6

What happens after I submit my application?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an acknowledgment email confirming we've received your application. Each application is then reviewed thoughtfully to ensure alignment with the mission and values of DHF, and a team member follows up with next steps once review is complete.

Question 7

Is there a fee to apply?

Accepted Answer

There is no separate fee simply to submit a membership application. Annual membership is $50. Applicants seeking Verified Lineage status also pay a one-time $100 lineage verification review fee.

Question 8

Is DHF currently accepting members?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DHF is in its founding phase and actively welcoming applications from those who feel called to help shape this organization from the ground up.

Answers & Guidance

About Lineage Membership

About Heritage Membership

Documentation Requirements

Applying & What Happens Next

Membership Investment

About Our Founding Phase

We'd love to hear from you.

Your Family's Story Matters.

Answers & Guidance

About Lineage Membership

What is Lineage Membership?

Who qualifies for Lineage Membership?

What role do Lineage Members serve?

About Heritage Membership

What is Heritage Membership?

Can I become a Lineage Member later if I start as a Heritage Member?

Is Heritage Membership 'less than' Lineage Membership?

Documentation Requirements

What kind of documentation is accepted for Lineage Membership?

I'm missing one or two documents. Can I still apply?

Do you assist with genealogical research?

Applying & What Happens Next

What happens after I submit my application?

How long does the review process take?

Will I be notified either way?

Membership Investment

Is there a fee to apply?

What is the annual membership cost?

About Our Founding Phase

Is DHF currently accepting members?

What does it mean to be a founding member?

When will chapters or local groups be formed?

We'd love to hear from you.

Your Family's Story Matters.