Membership certificates have been a standard issue for many organizations since the late 19th century. Earlier membership certificates frequently indicated that the recipient was a “life member” of the club or organization. In the early days of membership certificates, they were less common and frequently more personalized than they are today. Some of these certificates bestowed a certain prestige on the recipient, serving as proof of the individual’s social status. Accordingly, it was common for recipients to frame and display their certificates.

In the 20th century, the practice of issuing membership certificates expanded. Fraternities, political associations, and other fraternal organizations continued to issue membership certificates. Around the turn of the century, professional and trade organizations began to appear, and their members were awarded membership certificates. These organizations included professions such as automobile engineers, firefighters, and tobacco growers, among others.

Hobbyists, enthusiasts, and even children were eventually included among the individuals issued membership certificates. Children’s clubs became common during the second half of the 20th century. Children could become members of the Hot Wheels Club or the Mickey Mouse Club, for example, and received membership certificates from these clubs.

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Identifying a membership certificate is straightforward. The words “Membership Certificate” or “Certificate of Membership” will appear on the document. They will frequently include a brief description of the organization or a description of the privileges endowed by membership in the organization. These certificates also record the date of initial membership and the tenure of the membership. The issuing body typically includes its name and logo on the certificate.

Some membership certificates, especially older ones, are handwritten. However, newer membership certificates, especially from the second half of the 20th century onward, are more likely to be printed from templates. The member recipient’s name and date of membership may be handwritten or typed onto a standard membership certificate template.

One additional element found on most membership certificates is at least one signature, either from the head of the issuing organization or the head of the local or regional chapter. For larger organizations, it is common for these signatures to be furnished using stamps or autopens.

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Membership certificates contain the insignia of the organizational body awarding the certificate and may also include a seal or motto. In addition, the name of the member will appear on the certificate, along with the initial date of membership and the signature of the institution’s leader.

Identify your Membership Certificate Symbols.

Books and Periodicals

Behind the Membership: Insight & Inspiration from Successful Membership Owners by Mike Morrison and Callie Willows.

The Art of Membership: How to Attract, Retain, and Cement Member Loyalty by Sheri Jacobs.

Web Resources

American Colonization Society membership certificate, 1833 www.gilderlehrman.org.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows digital.librarycompany.org.

Membership Certificate, Society of Cincinnati, 1787 www.americanhistory.si.edu.

Related Dictionary Pages: Reward of Merit, Birth and Baptismal Certificates, Books, Papers & Magazines: Diplomas and Certificates.