A Brief History of Our CT Society

• Toward the end of the 19th Century, residents of several states in the northeast were persuaded that a society should be established in their individual states to commemorate the courageous, steadfast spirit and contributions to American democracy of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
   
• Subsequent to the founding of the New York Society in 1894, seven women from New London, CT met in February, 1896 and received a charter the following month.
• The original name of "The New England Society of Mayflower Descendants" was soon changed to "The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Connecticut" as other New England societies became established.
   
• The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, founded in 1897, has provided a unity of purpose and headquarters in Plymouth, MA to bring together the members of the state societies and the Canadian Society as they have evolved.
   
• As it begins the 21st Century, the CT Society relies extensively on computerization and an expanding network of volunteers. One of the largest state societies, it now has more than 1,200 members.  Our membership records have been scanned into electronic and PDF format, which gives our Historian easy access to our records, and protects our files from natural disasters since copies are stored in several locations throughout the state.

Membership Benefits

• Uphold the Mayflower heritage in the face of a rapidly changing world.
   
• The principles established when the Mayflower Compact was written in 1620 exemplify the democratic form of government upon which our U.S. Constitution is based.
   
• We need to highlight this heritage for our descendants as the schools drift further away from the early history of our country and the spiritual foundation of our country is further eroded by contemporary perspectives.

• Establish a friendship with others whose roots hark back to the Mayflower.
   
  • Join us in October and April for our luncheon meetings. Commit yourself to keeping our Mayflower Society strong and vital by joining a variety of committees and volunteer opportunities including the following: We can find something for everyone.
     
    
    • By-Laws             Computer Scanning            Education               Finance Committee               Hospitality
    • Insignia               Junior Affiliate Program    Membership          Newsletter                               Nominations
    • Press/Publicity                                                  Programs               Reservations                          Scholarship
       
• Receive special privileges.
  
  
  • The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, headquartered in Plymouth, MA, provides extensive genealogical and historical information. See http://www.themayflowersociety.com
     
  • Every third September members from all over the country gather in Plymouth for the Triennial Meeting. Members from all over the United States meet for fellowship. Truly, a great time had by all.
     
  • Plimoth Plantation welcomes Mayflower members at a special rate and provides a window into the past through its recreation of the original colony.
     
  • See http://www.plimoth.org/.
     
• Receive publications from both the General Society and the Connecticut Society.
  
  
  • The Mayflower Quarterly, published by GSMD, provides a wealth of information about history, genealogy, and current activities of the various societies.
     
  • The Nutmeg Gratings, published by CSMD, provides information about our luncheon/meetings held twice a year in various locations in Connecticut and other matters of interest to our members.