Membership in the Stetson Kindred is a wonderful way to foster interest in your genealogical heritage for current and future generations of your family. Members continue the work of preserving the Homestead, granting educational scholarships and supporting St. George’s Church in Modbury, England, as well as gathering each year for a weekend of cousinly activities to share their common heritage. Whether you are a direct descendant of Cornet or are just related to one who is, membership is open to everyone who has an interest in perpetuating the legacy of this remarkable early settler.
RENEW MEMBERSHIP/ANNUAL DUES
The Member dues year runs from January 1 through December 31. Dues notices are mailed out in the Spring to all Members and Associates who have paid dues in the two prior calendar years. Members are encouraged to keep their dues status current. When dues have not been paid for two consecutive years, membership status is considered “Inactive” and you will no longer receive our Kindred Spirit newsletters or invitation to the Reunion and Annual Meeting.
Checks for dues should be made out to “The Stetson Kindred of America, Inc.” and can be mailed to: Ms. Diane O’Brien, Associate Treasurer, 7 Ferndale Drive, Halifax, MA 02338. Payments for dues also may be made by credit or debit card using PayPal (see below). If you have any questions, you may contact the Kindred’s treasurer via e-mail at: theskoatreasurer@gmail.com.
| Senior | Confirmed Lineal Descendant age 18 or over | $ 25.00 |
| Junior | Confirmed Lineal Descendant under age 18 | $ 5.00 |
| Associate | Lineage Application in Process or Non-Lineal Friend of the Kindred | $ 25.00 |
| Family | Confirmed Lineal Descendant and Spouse | $ 30.00 |
| Sustaining | Confirmed Lineal Descendant and Spouse | $ 50.00 |
Making online payment for Dues
NOTE: You must select Dues from the PayPal “Donations” menu as shown in this example:
Make payment using PayPal including by debit or credit card
More on Contributions to the Kindred’s Special Funds – DID YOU KNOW? You can add an amount to your dues payment to contribute to special funds AT THE SAME TIME. Simply select the “+ Add a note to your donation” field after you click through the Donate with PayPal or Credit Card link and provide a breakdown of your payment there (250 characters maximum). See an example.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE:
- free subscription to our Kindred Spirit newsletter (issued Oct, Feb & June)
- invitation to the Annual Meeting of the Membership/Reunion and Lobster/Clambake held the third weekend in August
- discounted hotel rates for Reunion weekend
- free assistance with Stetson genealogy research
- opportunity to apply for education scholarships offered by our Scholarship Program
- use of the Homestead grounds and Pavilion for family events
- special members-only discounts on select items at the Stetson Emporium
- access to the Garrison, our “Members Only” section on our website, theskoa.org.
- volunteer opportunities to serve on the Board or Committees and participate in special projects and work days
- use of the official Stetson Coat of Arms
- a frameable, personalized Certificate of Membership
APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP
Applying for Membership is a two-step process. Applicants must first complete the Pre-Application Form which briefly outlines their descent from Cornet Robert Stetson. The Pre-Application must be accompanied by the $35 application fee in order to be processed. You can download the Pre-Application below. Prospective members may also request one be mailed to them by contacting the Membership Secretary at lbrooks46@yahoo.com. Submission of the Pre-Application will enroll the applicant initially as an Associate Member of the Kindred, and the applicant will remain on Associate status until their Stetson lineage is proven as determined by the Registrar. The application fee includes one year of annual dues from the date the Pre-application is filed. Regular dues will commence on the following January-December schedule.
The Secretary will review the Pre-Application to determine if the lineage outline provided is a viable one (provable). If so, the Secretary will send the applicant the full Lineage Membership Application with Instructions which asks the applicant to supply more details, source references, and pertinent vital records. Our genealogy research staff and Registrar are available to assist applicants as needed to complete the application.
Updated 4/9/23
Download the preliminary application here: SKOA PreApp Form
The Stetson Kindred of America, Inc. 
This is very cool. I’m just starting my Family Tree and Cornet Robert is at the top!
I’m looking forward to becoming a member and learning more.
Dear Kegg…we always look forward to Stetson descendants who are excited to learn more about their family lineage. We can often help find genealogy source information when our assistance is needed.
We hope to hear from you in the near future. Enjoy the journey! Linda Brooks, Membership Sec’y.
My husband, Laurence Lee Bennett, born September 16, 1943 to Margaret Jane Stetson Bennett is the 12th generation to Cornet Robert Stetson. Lee died April 1, 2014 age 70. Our children, Matthew Lee Bennett and Cathleen Arloa Bennett Rashid are the 13th generation. I want to make sure they know their genealogy. I’m Vicki Bennett Lee’s spouse.
Hi Vicki….appreciate your interest in the Stetson Kindred. If I can answer any questions or give you more information on membership, please let me know. Linda Brooks, Membership Secretary
My Great Grandmother was Ruth Mill Stetson, I just stumbled upon The Stetson Kindred of America!
Stephanie…always fun to find new information and links to family you didn’t know you had. Could be fun to trace her back to the 1600’s….and see what else you might uncover…..