The Society of Mayflower Descendants is a very special hereditary organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals who have documented their descent from one or more of the 102 passengers who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. Our ancestors were a very courageous group who, with strong convictions and determination, risked their lives to cross the Atlantic in a small, uncomfortable cargo ship and landed on unfamiliar soil in a wilderness. Half of them died during their first winter in America. The friendly and helpful natives played a vital role in the ultimate success of the Pilgrim colony.
We take great pride in the accomplishments of the Pilgrims. The Pilgrim leaders were passionate, Bible-reading, praying Christians who were unafraid to voice their great faith in God. These Separatists set the stage for religious freedom on the North American continent. Their goal was to worship God as they thought right, following God's Word and not the dictates of the established Church of England. In keeping with that tradition, one of our society's general officers is the Elder General, who leads prayer at the beginning of our meetings. However, we offer membership to individuals of all faiths who prove a line of descent from at least one of the Mayflower passengers. A list of the names of the passengers currently known to have descendants may be found by clicking the “Membership Info” button.
Before landing, the Mayflower passengers developed the first written declaration of self-government. That document, the Mayflower Compact, was a precursor of the Constitution of the United States. Plymouth is the second oldest permanent English settlement on the American east coast.
A primary interest of our society is educating people about the role of the Pilgrims in the early history and development of what was to become the United States of America. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants is one of the three largest, most respected and prestigious hereditary organizations in America. Its members are fine, "everyday" folks. There are Mayflower societies in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada, and we have members living in many other countries.
We welcome your interest in the Society of Mayflower Descendants and wish you success in tracing your ancestry back to a Mayflower passenger.
Dear Friends: