Few names in early New England history are as enduring as that of John and Priscilla Alden, the legendary Pilgrim couple immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1858 poem The Courtship of Miles Standish. But beyond the romantic verse and Pilgrim lore, there is a living organization dedicated to safeguarding their story and the heritage of their descendants: The Alden Kindred of America.
A Pilgrim Beginning
John Alden was a cooper aboard the Mayflower who chose to remain in the New World, while Priscilla Mullins, one of only four adult women to survive Plymouth Colony’s brutal first winter, became his bride. Their union would produce ten children and an extraordinary legacy—tens of thousands of descendants across the centuries.
By the early 20th century, some of those descendants felt the pull to formally preserve this legacy. In 1906, a group of Alden descendants gathered in Duxbury, Massachusetts, to form The Alden Kindred of America. Their mission: to create an enduring community of kin while protecting and interpreting the Alden House Historic Site, the home built by John and Priscilla’s son, Capt. Jonathan Alden, around 1700.
A Home Becomes a Heritage Site
The Alden House remained in family hands for generations. By the late 19th century, however, concerns arose about its preservation. The newly formed Alden Kindred took on the stewardship of the house, acquiring the property in 1907. Today, the Alden House is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its direct connection to the Mayflower Pilgrims and early colonial life.
More Than Just a House
The Alden Kindred is more than just a historical caretaker—it’s a lineage society that welcomes anyone who can trace their ancestry to John and Priscilla Alden. Members gather annually for the Alden Kindred Reunion, which has been held nearly every year since its founding. These gatherings celebrate family connections, preserve genealogy, and strengthen the organization’s role in educating the public about early American history.
Through lectures, publications, and preservation initiatives, the Alden Kindred keeps Pilgrim history alive for future generations. Their work connects the personal story of one couple to the broader tapestry of the American experience.
Legacy in the Modern Era
Today, the Alden Kindred of America continues to thrive, blending tradition with modern outreach. The Alden House Historic Site is open for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century life. The society also supports genealogical research, educational programs, and collaborations with other Mayflower and heritage organizations.
In preserving the memory of John and Priscilla Alden, the Alden Kindred safeguards more than a family story—it protects a cornerstone of the nation’s founding narrative.
Lineage Society History 
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