Who Can Join? Those persons, male or female of the age of 18 years or more, who can prove a blood relationship to a Signer within the second degree of kinship. For a preliminary application and informational materials, contact : Christopher T. Smithson Membership Developement Chair, HOSBD 4219 Paddrick Road Darlington, MD  21034-1034   ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP An applicant must furnish proof of his or her blood relationship within the second degree of kinship to a Signer of the Bush Declaration on March 22, 1775. By way of explanation see the following: Direct descent is self-explanatory. The applicant is lineally (directly) descended from the Signer. Collateral descent (or 1st degree of kinship) means the applicant’s ancestor and the Signer have the same parents. Consanguine relation (or 2nd degree of kinship) means the applicant’s ancestor and the Signer have same grandparents. Should you have any questions about the genealogical issues in the HOSBD please direct them to the Genealogist General: Christopher T. Smithson Genealogist General, HOSBD 4219 Paddrick Road Darlington, MD 21034-1034