Tracing Lineage to the Chesapeake: The Order of First Families of Maryland

Among the many lineage societies in the United States that preserve early American heritage, one organization focuses specifically on honoring the legacy of those who helped establish Maryland during its colonial beginnings: the Order of First Families of Maryland (OFFM). This esteemed society brings together descendants of the founders, settlers, and early leaders of the Province of Maryland, preserving not only genealogical ties but also the history of one of America’s earliest colonies.

Origins and Founding of the Order

The Order of First Families of Maryland was founded in 1999 by a group of genealogists and historians dedicated to recognizing those who played a formative role in the founding and development of colonial Maryland.

The society is modeled on other “First Families” hereditary organizations, such as the Order of First Families of Virginia and the First Families of Massachusetts. OFFM was created to offer an avenue for descendants of early Maryland colonists to connect, conduct historical research, and promote public understanding of Maryland’s colonial past.

According to its charter, OFFM’s goal is to:

“Identify and honor the descendants of those Maryland colonists who arrived between 1634 and 1689, and who contributed to the establishment and growth of the Province of Maryland.”

The organization is headquartered in Maryland but has members from across the United States.

Who Were the First Families of Maryland?

The term “First Families” generally refers to settlers who arrived in the early years of a colony and had a significant role in its governance, military, religious, or social life. In the case of Maryland, this covers the years 1634 to 1689, beginning with the arrival of The Ark and The Dove at St. Mary’s City in 1634.

Key historical figures include:

Leonard Calvert – First proprietary governor of Maryland (and my ancestor)
Cecilius Calvert (2nd Baron Baltimore) – Proprietor of Maryland who directed the initial colonization effort.
Philip Calvert, Thomas Greene, and Richard Bennett – Colonial leaders.
Members of early families such as the Brookes, Darnalls, Lloyds, Lowes, and Diggeses.

These individuals contributed to establishing Maryland’s religious toleration, proprietary government, and economic infrastructure during the colony’s formative years.

Membership and Eligibility

To become a member of the OFFM, applicants must prove lineal descent from an individual who:

Settled in Maryland between 1634 and 1689, and
Held land, performed civil or military service, or was otherwise of historical note during that period.

Applicants must provide well-documented genealogical proof, typically through:

Land patents and colonial court records,
Parish and probate records,
Military rolls,
Tax lists,
Published genealogies and academic sources.

Documentation must meet accepted genealogical standards and may be reviewed by a genealogical committee. Membership is by invitation only, though prospective members may submit applications for consideration or be nominated by current members.

Mission and Activities

The Order of First Families of Maryland supports a number of historical and educational goals:

Preserving and publishing genealogical and historical research about early Maryland settlers.
Supporting archival and museum efforts in Maryland, particularly those involving colonial history.
Hosting annual meetings and heritage events.
Encouraging scholarly study of Maryland’s founding period.
Promoting public awareness of Maryland’s role in early American history.

The society maintains close ties with institutions such as:

The Maryland State Archives,
Historic St. Mary’s City,
The Maryland Historical Society (now Maryland Center for History and Culture).

Maryland’s Unique Place in Colonial America

Maryland holds a distinct place in early American history:

It was founded as a proprietary colony under a royal charter granted to Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore.
It served as a refuge for English Catholics, offering religious toleration under the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649—a landmark law in colonial America.
Maryland’s capital, St. Mary’s City, was one of the earliest planned communities in the English New World.
It was an early site of democratic practices, including one of the first legislative assemblies in English America.

By preserving the stories of these early settlers, OFFM ensures that this legacy continues to be studied and celebrated.