Members take part in a wide range of historical, educational, and community‑focused activities across Kentucky, including:

• Graveside rededication ceremonies and headstone restoration

• Preservation of Civil War cemeteries and monuments

• Lincoln Days, Memorial Day/Decoration Day, Veterans Day, and Gettysburg commemorations

• ROTC/JROTC award presentations and Eagle Scout recognitions

• Research projects, including identifying the last Civil War soldier buried in each county

• Parades, public programs, and community outreach events There is a place for every skill set and level of involvement.

Joining is simple:

1. Download and complete the SUVCW Membership Application (Form 3).

2. Provide ancestor documentation if applying as a hereditary member.

3. Select the Camp you wish to join within the Department of Kentucky.

4. Submit your application to the Camp or Department contact. A Camp officer will follow up to welcome you and guide you through the final steps.

Not at all. Many members begin with only a general interest in the Civil War or a desire to honor a family ancestor. The SUVCW provides guidance, research support, and educational opportunities. What matters most is your commitment to preserving the memory of Union veterans and supporting our mission.

Members gain the opportunity to honor Union veterans in meaningful, hands‑on ways. You’ll participate in ceremonies, help preserve historic cemeteries and monuments, support educational outreach, and connect with others who share a passion for Civil War history and heritage. Membership also provides access to research assistance, community service opportunities, and a statewide network of Camps dedicated to remembrance and preservation.

Dues vary by Camp within the Department of Kentucky. Each Camp sets its own annual dues based on local needs and activities. When you contact the Camp you wish to join, they will provide the exact amount and any additional details.

Membership is flexible. There are no mandatory hours or attendance requirements. You can participate as your schedule allows — whether that means attending ceremonies, helping with research, joining a project occasionally, or simply supporting the mission through your membership. Every level of involvement is valued.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before applying. Our Camps can help you research your family history, locate service records, and confirm whether an ancestor served in the Union forces. And if you discover you do not have Union ancestry, you can still join as an Associate Member with full participation in nearly all activities.

No. The SUVCW is a historical, educational, and charitable organization — not a reenactment unit. While some members may also participate in reenacting as a personal hobby, SUVCW activities focus on preservation, research, ceremonies, and public education rather than portraying soldiers in the field.

Yes. Many members live outside the Commonwealth but have family ties, historical interest, or personal connections to Kentucky’s Union heritage. You are welcome to join any Camp within the Department of Kentucky, regardless of your state of residence.

Yes. The SUVCW offers Junior and Junior Associate memberships for boys under age 14 who wish to learn about Civil War history and honor Union veterans. Youth members may participate in many activities under appropriate supervision and often continue into full membership when they reach age 14.

Hereditary Members trace their lineage to a Union soldier, sailor, marine, or anyone eligible for the Grand Army of the Republic. Associate Members do not have Union ancestry but fully support the mission and principles of the SUVCW. Associates enjoy nearly all the same rights and privileges, with only a few hereditary‑restricted offices unavailable to them.

Our Camps work across the Commonwealth to preserve historic cemeteries, restore Civil War headstones, conduct memorial ceremonies, support ROTC/JROTC and Eagle Scout programs, participate in parades and public events, and provide educational outreach to schools, civic groups, and families researching their Union ancestors. We help ensure that Kentucky’s Union heritage remains visible and accessible to future generations.