Website: http://www.OrderofWashington.org
A candidate for Hereditary Membership in the Order of Washington must be approved by the Council and must be lineally descended from a man or woman who served during the lifetime of George Washington, from February 22, 1731/2 to December 14, 1799, as a soldier, sailor or civil officer of the several Colonies or States, of the confederated colonies or of the United States of America or as a recognized patriot supporting or providing material aid to the cause of American Independence.
Source(s): http://www.OrderofWashington.org