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The authors's medals for membership in various orders/societies arranged by prece
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2025
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I needed a break from shields, mottos, and the like. I started thinking of a new project that would be quasi-heraldic and deeply personal, reflecting me. Following my investiture in the Order of St. John this past fall, I've been awestruck since lost in disbelief that I would ever be worthy of such an honor. The breast medal for my grade of Member is a constant reminder to serve all people--for the faith--and some days its hard to believe others thought so highly of me. It is humbling. Thus, that medal provided inspiration for my new project. The spirit and intention is not to "peacock" my bling, but rather to challenge me in learning new design skills, etc. So, this is not a bragging post!
On the advent of taking my first steps in the world of heraldry, circa 2011-2013, I began researching my family history as so much of it was unknown to me. I wanted to learn whose footsteps were imprinted in my soul and share that with my children--sharing this story was everything to me. While uncovering all manner of facts and legends, I wanted to somehow place a permanent marker in our timeline, documenting all that predated my existence. Enter hereditary societies. I knew nothing about this rather interesting world of genetically like-minded people whose ancestors' DNA and their human experiences created a common bond and medal to wear.
Nonetheless, these hereditary societies work assiduously preserving evidence-based family lineages focusing one theme or another. This shared interest--documenting family lineages with the evidence--solved my problem of how to plant that familial stake in the ground while I still roam above it. Thus, I "earned" a rack of medals.
Precedence for ordering hereditary society medals is set by the founding date of the organization. Highly recommend the Hereditary Society Community's website for any reader interested to learn about all of these groups. Please click this link to see the medals/insignia for each society.
1. The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
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Medal of a Serving Member. The Order of St. John, of course, is not a hereditary organization but an order of chivalry bound through the "fount of honor" the Sovereign Head, HM King Charles III.
2. The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (1865)
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For ancestors who served as officers in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
3. The Sons of the Revolution (1876)
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For ancestors who served the cause of freedom and fought during the American Revolutionary War.
4. The Sons of the American Revolution (1889)
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For ancestors who served the cause of freedom and fought during the American Revolutionary War.
5. The Hereditary Order of First Families of Massachusetts (1985)
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For ancestors who, "settled within the bounds of the Massachusetts Bay Colony before the year 1650."
6. The Order of First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation (1991)
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For ancestors, "resident on land presently a part of the State of Rhode Island
and the Providence Plantations prior to January 1, 1647-1648."
