The Society of Colonial Wars is a patriotic society composed of men who trace their descents from forebears who, in military, naval, or civil positions of high trust and responsibility, by acts or counsel, assisted in the establishment, defense, and preservation of the mainland American colonies of Great Britain. Membership is by invitation. Membership Criteria: Any male person twenty-one years of age or older, of good moral character and reputation, shall be eligible to membership in the Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Virginia, provided he is lineally descended in the male or female line from an ancestor:

1. Who served as a military or naval officer, or as a soldier, sailor, or marine, or as a privateersman, under authority of any of the Colonies which afterward formed the United States, or in the forces of Great Britain which participated with those of the said Colonies in any wars in which the said Colonies were engaged, or in which they enrolled men, during the period from the settlement of Jamestown, May 13, 1607, to the Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775; or
   
   
2. Who held office in any of the Colonies between the dates above mentioned as
   
   a. Director General, Vice Director General, or member of the Council, or Legislative body, in the Colony of the New Netherland, or
   b. Governor, Lieutenant or Deputy Governor, Lord Proprietor, member of The King’s or Governor’s Council, or of the legislative body, in the Colony of New York, the Jerseys, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, or
   c. Lord Proprietor, Governor, Deputy Governor, or member of the Council, or of the legislative body, in Maryland, the Carolinas, or Georgia, or
   d. Governor, Deputy Governor, Governor’s Assistant, Commissioner to the United Colonies of New England, or member of the Council, body of Assistants, or legislative body, in any of the New England colonies, or
   e. Justice, Judge, Justice of the Peace, or other judicial officer