The Society of the First Families of New York: Honoring the Empire State’s Earliest Settlers

New York’s early history is deeply rooted in Dutch and English colonization. Families who were residents of colonial New York before 1783 helped establish the foundations of what would become one of the most influential states in the nation. To honor their memory, preserve genealogical records, and foster fellowship among their descendants, the Society of the First Families of New York was established.

Formation of the Society

The Society of the First Families of New York, Ltd. (SFFNY) was founded February 15, 2014 and is part of the broader movement to recognize and preserve America’s colonial heritage. The SFFNY specifically focuses on New York’s first families who were part of the colony’s settlement during the Dutch (New Netherland) and early English periods.

Mission and Purpose

The SFFNY’s mission includes:

Honoring early settlers who established New Netherland and later English colonial New York.
Promoting genealogical research into Dutch and English colonial families.
Preserving historic sites, artifacts, and records connected with early New York.
Encouraging fellowship among descendants who share these ancestral ties.
Educating the public about the unique multicultural origins of New York.

Membership

Membership in the Society is open to men and women who can prove lineal descent from a settler in New York prior to 1783. This includes descendants of:

Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam and New Netherland (such as the Van Cortlandts, Stuyvesants, and Van Rensselaers).
English settlers who came after the 1664 takeover by the Duke of York.
Other early inhabitants whose presence in the colony can be documented before the 18th century.

Applicants must provide documentary proof (church registers, colonial records, wills, deeds, or family genealogies) establishing each generational link. SFFNY will accept paperwork from other societies such as Society of the Cincinnati, Colonial Dames of America and others. The website has a full listing.

Activities and Contributions

The SFFNY engages in a wide range of activities to keep early New York’s history alive:

Annual meetings and commemorations, often held in historically significant locations.
Publication of genealogical research on early New York families.
Support for preservation projects, including restoration of Dutch Reformed churches, colonial cemeteries, and archives.
Educational programs highlighting New York’s role in early America as a cultural crossroads of Dutch, English, African, and Indigenous peoples.

By supporting these initiatives, the Society ensures that the story of New York’s earliest settlers remains central to American history.

Historical Context

New York’s colonial experience was unique compared to other regions:

1624 – The Dutch West India Company established New Netherland with settlements at Fort Orange (Albany) and Manhattan.
1626 – Peter Minuit famously purchased Manhattan from the Lenape people, laying the groundwork for New Amsterdam.
1664 – The English captured New Netherland, renaming it New York after the Duke of York.
Late 1600s – The colony grew as a cosmopolitan hub, blending Dutch, English, African, and Native American influences.

The descendants of these settlers carried forward traditions, names, and cultural legacies that endure in New York to this day.

Conclusion

The Society of the First Families of New York provides an invaluable platform for descendants of New Netherland and colonial New York settlers to connect with their history. By preserving genealogies, restoring sites, and celebrating the multicultural roots of New York, the Society ensures that the story of America’s early Dutch and English settlers continues to inspire future generations.