Membership
When you join the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, you enter a network of more than 6,000 men who form lifelong bonds, honor their heroic ancestors, and promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism in their communities. There are hereditary members, who trace their lineage to those who served honorably in the Civil War, and associate members, who do not have the requisite ancestry but wish to join the fraternity. Each is described in greater detail below.
Men and juniors interested in joining the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War should make every effort to connect with their local or nearest Camp or Department, as this will greatly accelerate the application process. Please visit our Departments page to find the one that is closest to you. We currently have 31 Departments representing the whole of the United States of America, as well as one International Camp that exists in England and one in Canada. Click here to go to the Departments page in order to connect with someone close to you. The Brothers of the Order stand by to assist you and make your application process as easy as possible.
Information regarding fees, dues, and the information needed to apply for membership are located in the instructions of the Membership Application and on the Membership Fees Page
Membership Application. (pdf)
If you are not able to find a local Camp or Department, further questions regarding eligibility or the application can be directed to the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief at jvcinc@suvcw.org. Please understand that if you apply through the National Organization, you may experience delays in the processing of your application. All applicants are encouraged to apply in the closest Department or Camp that is within his geographical location.
Hereditary Membership (Member & Junior)
Hereditary membership is available to a male descendant, 14 years of age (6 to 14 for Juniors), who meets the following requirements:
- You must directly descend from a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or member of the Revenue Cutter Service (or directly descend from a brother, sister, half-brother, or half-sister of such Soldier, etc.) who was regularly mustered and served honorably in, was honorably discharged from, or died in the service of, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America or in such state regiments called to active service and was subject to the orders of United States general officers, between April 12, 1861 and April 9, 1865.
- You must never have been convicted of any infamous or heinous crime.
- You, or the ancestor through whom membership is claimed, must never have voluntarily borne arms against the government of the United States.
Associate Membership
Associate membership is available to men who do not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary membership. Associate membership is available to any man who demonstrates a genuine interest in the Civil War and can subscribe to the purpose and objects of the SUVCW.
Although an Associate is not required to meet the lineage requirement of a Member, he is still subject to the second and third provisions of hereditary eligibility. An Associate may vote and hold any office except those of Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, National Secretary, National Treasurer and Commanding Officer of the Sons of Veterans Reserve. Associates may not exceed one-third of the total membership of the Camp at the time of election.
The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR)
The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) is the ceremonial uniformed military element of the SUVCW. The SVR consists of a General Staff and several military districts across the nation. The SVR is overseen by the National Military Affairs Committee of the SUVCW. SVR elements participate in ceremonies, parades, living history programs, and re-enactments. All Members and Associates are welcome to join the SVR; however, SVR membership is contingent upon maintaining SUVCW membership.