The Society of the Cincinnati

An officer of the Continental Army or Navy could qualify as an Original Member if he (a) served to the end of the war as an officer with a Line (not Militia or State) regiment, (b) resigned with honor after a minimum of three years service, or (c) was rendered supernumerary or was honorably discharged after three years of service. Officers who served with the French forces under Rochambeau or DeGrasse were also eligible.

In 1854, the General Society made membership allowance for those officers who could have become Original Members, but, for whatever reason, did not.  This is generally referred to as the Rule of 1854.  The descendants of those non-Original Member officers may also be eligible for membership.  Hereditary membership is generally passed to the eldest son according to the rule of primogeniture.  When such an individual is lacking, a collateral male descendant may be eligible for membership, if properly qualified and approved by the Society of the Cincinnati.  Only one male descendant may represent an eligible officer at any time.

Individuals are welcome to inquire with the General Society regarding membership, though each respective State Society adheres to its own procedures for evaluating and accepting candidates for membership.