Descendant Membership
Honor Your Ancestor Active with Washington’s Army, December 1776 to January 1777
When you join The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army During the Ten Crucial Days (DTCD) you honor your revolutionary ancestor through our many activities and have the opportunity to form lifelong bonds with other members. Any person of any age, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution who took an active role with Washington’s Army between December 1776 and January 1777 is eligible for membership. Members under the age of 18 are Junior members.
Click here to see the “Muster Roll” of patriots identified as active with Washington’s Army in the Delaware Valley from December 1776 to January 1777. While it is not an all-inclusive list, it may contain your ancestor's name. The similarity of the name only is insufficient. Having your ancestor listed on the Muster Roll is not a requirement to join; however, it can be referenced as part of your proof of your ancestor having taken an active role during the Trenton or Princeton Campaigns. You must, however, provide acceptable proof that your ancestor contributed to the American “Cause.”
Proven information from applications from the following lineage societies has been approved for use as proof for any generation on the application as long as acceptable proof was provided for the information on that application:
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society Sons of the American Revolution, General Society Sons of the Revolution, The Society of the Cincinnati, Jamestown Society, General Society of Mayflower Descendants, National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, The Colonial Dames of America, National Society Daughters of Colonial Wars, General Society of Colonial Wars, or The Order of Founders and Patriots
Please provide a record copy of the approved lineage society application with the DTCD application and cite it as the source.
If you do not have documentation proving your Patriot ancestor served with Washington’s Army in the Delaware Valley, one of the best sources for military service records is The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). To order the military record, you either purchase the (Pre-WWI) Military Service Records (NATF Form 86) online at this link or complete the form and mail it to them. NARA will research their records, charge a fee, and return copies of their search to you if found.
We look forward to receiving your completed application and documentation, being able to approve your application, and welcoming you as a member of the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army During the Ten Crucial Days.
Membership Benefits
Your family's veteran from the Revolutionary War is honored for his or her service.
Descendant members receive a ¾” full-color cloisonné lapel pin bordered in gold.
Members and their families are invited to attend special featured events at Washington Crossing, Trenton, and Princeton.
Members receive a subscription to newsletters from the sites of the Ten Crucial Days.
Descendant Members receive an official certificate of membership.
Members can purchase DTC insignia and merchandise.
Members enjoy the camaraderie of fellow men and women who want to preserve the history of the patriot actions in the Delaware Valley during December 1776 and January 1777, which turned the tide of the American War for Independence!
To Become a Member…
Visit the Membership Donation page for levels of Descendant Member at this link.
Download the DTCD Application Checklist. Review it before completing the application.
Download the DTCD Membership Application.
Complete the PDF application using your computer, ensuring you are following the DTCD Application Checklist.
For each name, date, or place that is entered onto your application, documentation must support the exact entry. For example: If you know your grandfather's middle name, but it is not on his death certification that you are using for proof of his name, do not list it on the application. Only list what is found in the documentation.
Once you have completed the application, review the DTCD Application Checklist to ensure that the application follows all requests.
Mail your completed and reviewed application, documentation (with pertinent information underlined and generations noted), and payment to the Deputy Commissary-General of Musters. (Address provided by Commissary General of Musters.)
Please be patient with our Staff. We are all volunteers and will review your application as soon as possible. Thank you.
Do you have questions about membership or the application process? Contact Commissary General of Musters Roger S. Williams at roger@tencrucialdays.org.