Daughters of this and that

[WLFEO]

So any generalized comments on how adoption figures into these groups? Does it vary by group or in general do you not "count" if you were adopted? My grandmother was in the DAR but my dad didn't want my mom to join b/c they don't recognize me (their adopted child) as a descendant. I don't really have a problem with it...after all, I'm not a descendant (well, who know, I could be). But my dad didn't want me to be left out or something.

Along the same, yet different, line of discussion, any generalities on how they handle step children?

Just wondering...

[Beryana]

Originally Posted by WLFEO

So any generalized comments on how adoption figures into these groups? Does it vary by group or in general do you not "count" if you were adopted? My grandmother was in the DAR but my dad didn't want my mom to join b/c they don't recognize me (their adopted child) as a descendant. I don't really have a problem with it...after all, I'm not a descendant (well, who know, I could be). But my dad didn't want me to be left out or something.

Along the same, yet different, line of discussion, any generalities on how they handle step children?

Just wondering...

Some groups accepted adopted/step children but most require blood lineage for membership (and some are even specific that all the children have to be legitimate). I believe the DAR requires direct blood descent - so adoption would not qualify you.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by WLFEO

So any generalized comments on how adoption figures into these groups? Does it vary by group or in general do you not "count" if you were adopted? My grandmother was in the DAR but my dad didn't want my mom to join b/c they don't recognize me (their adopted child) as a descendant. I don't really have a problem with it...after all, I'm not a descendant (well, who know, I could be). But my dad didn't want me to be left out or something.

Along the same, yet different, line of discussion, any generalities on how they handle step children?

Just wondering...

The old DAR forms used to say "_____ is the blood daughter/son of ____", so I'm thinking that adoption and steps don't count in the DAR. I do know that they now accept DNA as a proof of lineage - when I took their genealogy class, we saw a woman who went in on her birth parent's lineage. Which, of course, means you'd have to first find your birth parents, and see if either of them are eligible.

On the other hand, there are two women who bring their adopted daughters and step-grandchildren to most meetings. No one treats them any differently. If you ever do decide to try to find your birth parents, I do know a few tips on that part.