When 102 brave passengers boarded the Mayflower in 1620 and sailed across the Atlantic to the New World, they could hardly have imagined the enduring legacy they were about to establish. More than 400 years later, their descendants continue to honor and preserve their memory through one of America’s most respected hereditary organizations: the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD), often simply called the Mayflower Society.

The Founding of the Mayflower Society

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants was officially organized on January 12, 1897, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, nearly 277 years after the Pilgrims’ historic landing. Its creation was part of a larger patriotic and genealogical movement of the late 19th century, during which many lineage societies were established to honor America’s early settlers, soldiers, and founders.

The first organizational meeting brought together 27 representatives from several state societies — Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut — which had been formed earlier in the 1890s with the common goal of honoring Pilgrim ancestors. Recognizing the importance of uniting their efforts, these representatives voted to form the General Society, which would oversee national activities and serve as the umbrella organization for the state societies.

The Society’s Founding Purpose

From the outset, the Mayflower Society was established to:

• Honor and preserve the memory of the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620.
• Maintain genealogical records of their descendants.
• Promote education about early colonial American history.
• Support historical preservation projects, especially related to Plymouth Colony.

The society adopted as its motto the Latin phrase: “Steadfast for Faith, Freedom and Family.”

Membership Criteria

Membership in the Mayflower Society is open to individuals who can prove lineal descent from one or more of the passengers who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and settled in Plymouth Colony.

The original Mayflower passengers include men, women, and children who survived the first winter and signed the Mayflower Compact, as well as others who were part of the voyage but did not survive the first year. The current list of recognized qualifying ancestors has been carefully vetted through extensive genealogical research, and includes names such as:

• William Bradford
• John Alden
• Priscilla Mullins
• Edward Winslow
• Myles Standish

Applicants must provide documented proof for every generation from the Mayflower passenger to themselves, using birth, marriage, and death records, wills, probate records, and other primary sources. Those applying to become a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants must apply for membership through a Member Society.

Growth and Structure

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants is made up of 54 Member Societies representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Member Societies are volunteer organizations that were authorized and granted a Charter by the General Board of Assistants. Each Member Society has their own Constitution and Bylaws and elects their own officers. Additionally, Member Societies set their own dues and fees.

Contributions to Historical Preservation and Scholarship

One of the Mayflower Society’s most significant contributions has been its work in genealogical research and documentation. Key achievements include:

• The Mayflower Families Silver Books: A multi-volume series meticulously documenting the first five generations of descendants for each Mayflower passenger.
• Preservation of the Mayflower Society House (built in 1754), which now serves as the society’s headquarters and a museum.
• Ongoing support of archaeological and historical research projects related to Plymouth Colony.
• Sponsorship of scholarships, educational programs, and public lectures on early American history.

The Mayflower Society also played a central role in organizing national events commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage in 2020, working closely with partners such as Plymouth 400, Inc., the Pilgrim Hall Museum, and the Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

The Mayflower Compact: A Lasting Legacy

At the heart of the Mayflower Society’s mission lies the enduring legacy of the Mayflower Compact, signed aboard the ship in 1620. This simple but revolutionary agreement established a framework of self-government for the settlers, and many historians consider it a foundational document in the development of American democracy.

By honoring this legacy, the Mayflower Society not only commemorates individual ancestors but also the core values of faith, freedom, self-governance, and perseverance that the Pilgrims represent.

Conclusion

For over 125 years, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants has preserved the rich history of the Pilgrims and their descendants, ensuring that the story of America’s earliest settlers remains alive for future generations. Through meticulous research, education, preservation, and civic engagement, the GSMD continues to celebrate the courage and faith of the Mayflower passengers whose journey helped shape the United States.

In a modern world, the Mayflower Society offers a living link to one of the most iconic moments in American history — a voyage of hope that became a nation’s founding story.

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Sources

1. General Society of Mayflower Descendants – Official Website
2. Plymouth 400, Inc. – Mayflower 400th Anniversary Commemoration
3. Pilgrim Hall Museum – Plymouth, Massachusetts
4. Plimoth Patuxet Museums