The Order of the Cloak and Dagger stands apart from traditional hereditary societies by focusing not on battlefield heroics or political office, but on a quieter—and often more dangerous—form of service: intelligence gathering, espionage, and covert operations that shaped American history.
Founded as a lineage society, the Order is dedicated to preserving the memory of men and women who operated in secrecy during pivotal moments in America’s past. These individuals—spies, couriers, informants, cryptographers, and intelligence organizers—often risked their lives without recognition, yet their contributions were essential to the survival and success of the American cause.
Mission and Purpose
The Order of the Cloak and Dagger exists to:
- Perpetuate the memory of America’s early intelligence operatives
- Encourage rigorous genealogical documentation of qualifying ancestors
- Promote historical research and education related to espionage and intelligence history
- Highlight the enduring relevance of intelligence, strategy, and information networks throughout American history
Who Qualifies for Membership?
Membership in the Order of the Cloak and Dagger is open to individuals who can document descent from an ancestor who performed intelligence-related service in America’s formative conflicts. Qualifying service may include, but is not limited to:
- Participation in Revolutionary War intelligence networks, such as the Culper Spy Ring
- Acting as couriers, informants, or scouts for Patriot or allied forces
- Engaging in counterintelligence, deception, or intelligence coordination
- Intelligence service during later conflicts such as the Civil War or other early American military engagements
Each application is supported by genealogical documentation and historical evidence demonstrating the ancestor’s intelligence role.
Spies, Secrets, and the American Story
Espionage has played a crucial role throughout American history, particularly during the American Revolution, when the fledgling Patriot cause faced a far stronger and better-resourced British military.
Figures such as Benjamin Tallmadge, organizer of the Culper Spy Ring; Nathan Hale, whose mission ended in execution; and the anonymous men and women who passed coded messages, concealed intelligence in clothing or everyday objects, and relayed troop movements all exemplify the kind of service the Order seeks to honor.
The Order of the Cloak and Dagger also explores intelligence activity beyond the Revolution, recognizing that espionage and covert operations remained vital during the Civil War and beyond.
Education, Research, and Public Engagement
A central component of the Order’s mission is education. Through its website, publications, and blog—aptly titled Spy Stuff—the society shares:
- Biographical articles on historical spies and intelligence figures
- Essays on espionage techniques, codes, and counterintelligence
- Contextual studies of intelligence operations in major American conflicts
- Genealogical guidance for researching intelligence-related service
These efforts help bring visibility to a dimension of history that is often overlooked in traditional narratives.
Symbolism of the Cloak and Dagger
The society’s name draws on enduring symbols of espionage:
- The cloak, representing secrecy, disguise, and concealment
- The dagger, symbolizing risk, resolve, and the high stakes faced by intelligence operatives
Together, they reflect the reality that intelligence work has always existed in the shadows—yet has repeatedly altered the course of history.
Why the Order of Cloak and Dagger Matters Today
As interest in genealogy and lineage societies continues to grow, the Order of the Cloak and Dagger offers a meaningful home for descendants whose ancestors served outside conventional military roles. It broadens our understanding of patriotism by recognizing that victory often depended not only on soldiers in uniform, but on individuals willing to operate quietly, courageously, and anonymously.
At a time when America is reflecting on its origins and approaching major historical anniversaries, the stories preserved by the Order remind us that information itself has always been a powerful weapon.
Learn More
To explore membership criteria, historical articles, and ongoing research, visit the official website of the Order of the Cloak and Dagger: https://ordercloakdagger.org
Lineage Society History 
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