Before the American Revolution and before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, the seeds of American settlement were planted at Jamestown, Virginia. Recognizing the immense historical significance of this first permanent English settlement, the Jamestowne Society was established by George Craghead Gregory, a noted historian, lawyer, and genealogist. The Jamestowne Society was officially founded on May 14, 1936, exactly 329 years after the original landing at Jamestown in 1607. Incorporated in Richmond, Virginia, the Jamestowne Society carved out its unique niche by focusing exclusively on the earliest English settlers of Virginia.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Jamestowne Society includes:

• Honoring the memory of those who established the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown.
• Promoting genealogical research related to Jamestown and early Virginia settlers.
• Preserving historical records, documents, and artifacts connected to early Virginia history.
• Supporting historical, archaeological, and educational projects related to Jamestown.

In addition to these goals, the society actively supports Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Rediscovery Project, both of which are instrumental in ongoing archaeological and historical research at the original Jamestown site.

Who Were the Qualifying Ancestors?

Membership in the Jamestowne Society is open to individuals who can prove lineal descent from a qualifying ancestor who:

• was a stockholder in the London Company or the Virginia Company, or a member of one of the guilds which invested in the above, during the active investment period;
• owned land on Jamestown Island or lived on the Island prior to 1700 (owning land in a neighboring area or neighboring county does NOT of itself qualify an individual);
• was a resident in Virginia at the time of the 1624/25 Muster or earlier; 
• served as Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Clerk of the General Court, Member of the Council or House of Burgesses prior to 1700; these persons shall be conclusively presumed to have had their domiciles on Jamestown Island during their terms of office;
• was an Anglican Church (Church of England) minister in Virginia prior to 1700; or
• served as an official Indian Interpreter in Virginia prior to 1700.

Membership and Genealogical Research

Becoming a member of the Jamestowne Society requires applicants to submit documented proof of descent from a qualifying ancestor. This often involves extensive genealogical research, with primary sources drawn from:

• Colonial land grants
• Church records
• Colonial government documents
• Wills and probate records
• Historical passenger lists and shipping records

The Society’s Registrar General oversees membership applications and ensures adherence to high genealogical standards. To assist applicants, the society provides research guidance and maintains a detailed Jamestowne Society Lineage Index. There are many accepted genealogical resources for the Jamestowne Society such as John Frederick Dorman’s three-volume work Adventurers of Purse and Person Virginia (APP) which traces the lines of many early Virginia settlers through six generations and is particularly useful as a reference in proving the earlier generations. Applicants must use the 4th edition published between 2005 – 2007.

My Qualifying Ancestors for the Jamestowne Society

When I joined the Jamestowne Society, I used Sir George Calvert, a.k.a. Lord Baltimore, as my ancestor. I had already proved his son, Leonard Calvert, for the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, so I had all of the proofs pulled together. George Calvert qualified for the Jamestowne Society because he was stockholder in the Virginia Company. I’m proud to say that I have proved a few more ancestors through supplemental applications which include:

• Thomas Graves – a member of the Virginia Company who came to Jamestowne in 1608 on the 2nd Supply. He was an ancient planter and a burgess
• William Burditt – who came to Jamestowne as an indentured servant to Captain William Epes. When he completed his servitude, he was deeded 200 acres of land. He was an ancient planter who became a vestryman in his church and a burgess.
• Thomas Ballard – was a burgess, councilor, speaker of the house and major landowner. Because of his prominence in government, his wife Anna was used as a human shield during Bacon’s Rebellion. His great grandson, Proctor Ballard, was the patriot that I used to join the DAR.
• Sir Dudley Digges – was a stockholder in the Virginia Company.
• Edward Digges – was a colonial governor of Virginia when Jamestown was the capital.
• William Digges – a planter, soldier and burgess who went onto Maryland
• William Cotton – Anglican minister at Hungar’s Parish

Activities and Contributions

Beyond its genealogical focus, the Jamestowne Society actively contributes to preserving the physical and historical legacy of Jamestown. Some of its key activities include:

• Financial support for archaeological digs and preservation efforts at Historic Jamestowne.
• Educational programs and scholarships promoting the study of early Virginia history.
• Publication of historical articles, books, and member newsletters.
• Biannual Membership Meetings where members gather to celebrate their shared heritage.
• Regional companies where members can meet locally

The society is particularly known for its close partnership with the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, whose archaeological work has unearthed critical evidence about the original 1607 settlement site.

The Importance of Jamestown in American History

The story of Jamestown represents the first chapter of what would eventually become the United States. These early settlers:

• Endured starvation, disease, and conflict with Indigenous tribes.
• Established the first representative government in the New World with the House of Burgesses (1619).
• Introduced key economic developments, such as tobacco cultivation.
• Set precedents for English common law, property ownership, and cultural exchanges that would shape the American identity.

The Jamestowne Society ensures these stories remain vibrant and accessible for future generations.

Conclusion

The Jamestowne Society is more than a genealogical group—it is a living testament to America’s first permanent English settlers. By preserving the stories of these early pioneers, the society provides modern Americans with a deeper appreciation of the challenges and triumphs that shaped the nation’s earliest days.

Through its research, education, and preservation efforts, the Jamestowne Society ensures that the legacy of Jamestown remains a cornerstone of America’s rich historical heritage.

Sources

1. Jamestowne Society – Official Website
2. Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation – Historic Jamestowne
3. Preservation Virginia – History of Jamestown
4. National Park Service – Historic Jamestowne
5. Library of Virginia – Colonial Records and Archives