The story of the Mayflower Pilgrims has remained an important part of American history for generations. Interest in preserving the memory of the people who helped shape the early foundations of the United States grew significantly during the nation's centennial celebrations in 1876. Their determination, courage and contribution to the development of American democracy inspired efforts to establish organizations dedicated to remembering their legacy.

The first organized Society of Mayflower Descendants was established in New York City on December 22, 1894. Its purpose was to bring together people who could demonstrate direct, or lineal, descent from one or more of the Mayflower Pilgrims.

Other societies soon followed. Connecticut established its society on March 7, 1896, Massachusetts on March 28, 1896, and Pennsylvania on July 1, 1896. Representatives of these newly established organizations subsequently gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they founded the **General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD)** on January 12, 1897.

The movement continued to expand throughout the United States. Illinois became the first state society to receive a charter from the General Society in 1897. Nearly a decade later, Colorado became the first society west of the Mississippi River to receive a charter, in 1906.

Over the years, the organization has grown into an international community. More than 100,000 people have become members after establishing their qualifying Mayflower ancestry, and membership continues to grow both throughout the United States and internationally.

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants promotes research into the ancestry and lineal descent of the Mayflower Pilgrims while encouraging greater understanding of the men, women and families who made the voyage aboard the *Mayflower* in 1620.

Through research, education and historical interpretation, the Society seeks to explain the significance of the Pilgrims, their influence on the development of Western civilization, and the continuing historical importance of their 1620 voyage and its legacy.

The Society seeks to remain a leading organization in preserving the memory and legacy of the 1620 Mayflower Pilgrims through high standards of genealogical research, historical scholarship and the preservation of family history.

The Society's work is guided by several fundamental principles:

• **Genealogical excellence** — Maintaining rigorous standards for researching and documenting proven lineal descent from the Mayflower Pilgrims.
• **Research and scholarship**
  — Encouraging new historical and genealogical research, scholarship and publications relating to the Pilgrims and their descendants.
  • **Education and historical awareness** — Helping people understand the Pilgrim experience, the significance of the Mayflower Compact, and the wider historical context of the Pilgrims' story.
  • **Supporting member societies** — Strengthening existing Member Societies while encouraging the formation of new societies that share the organization's objectives and support the interests common to Mayflower descendants.
  • **Preservation of historic heritage** — Protecting, maintaining and interpreting properties and places associated with the history of the Mayflower Pilgrims.

  For authoritative information about the organization, its history, membership and genealogical research, visit the General Society of Mayflower Descendants official website.

The Piscataqua Pioneers is an educational, genealogical, historical, and patriotic society whose members trace their ancestry to the early settlers who established communities along both sides of the Piscataqua River and its tributaries before the Declaration of Independence.

The Society is dedicated to identifying, collecting, preserving, and sharing historical and genealogical records relating to the early pioneers of the Piscataqua region of Maine and New Hampshire and to their descendants.

Its principal objectives include:

• **Preserving history and genealogy** - by serving as both a historical society and an organization devoted to genealogy and biography.
• **Encouraging historical exploration - through organized visits to significant historical places and sites associated with the region's past.
• **Fostering fellowship** - among members by encouraging the sharing of knowledge, research, and a common interest in the history and genealogy of the Piscataqua region.
• **Identifying the earliest settlers** - who lived on both sides of the Piscataqua River within the area historically known as the Piscataqua Plan, or Piscataqua Settlements, together with adjoining territory, from the earliest period through July 1776.
• **Recognizing their contributions** - to the development of the region and to the broader advancement of civilization, including achievements in industry, literature, the arts, and other areas of community life.
• **Tracing families and descendants** - of the early settlers in order to preserve the connections between the pioneers and succeeding generations.
• **Collecting and sharing historical information** - by bringing together, preserving, and publishing reliable records and research so that future generations will remember the people who faced the challenges of the early wilderness and established homes and communities in the New World.
• **Working with like-minded organizations** - by cooperating with other historical, genealogical, and related societies in order to exchange knowledge, support one another, and further these shared objectives.

The Sons of Utah Pioneers is committed to remembering and understanding the men and women who helped establish Utah and the American West, and to preserving the legacy they left for future generations.

Our mission is to:

• **Discover and understand our pioneer heritage**, strengthening our connection with the ancestors and early settlers who shaped the history of Utah and the West.
• **Preserve and share their history and legacy**, ensuring that the experiences, achievements, and traditions of the early pioneers are remembered.
• **Recognize modern pioneers**, honoring people around the world today who demonstrate the same spirit, character, and determination that characterized the pioneers of earlier generations.
• **Inspire the rising generation**, helping young people learn and embrace the principles and qualities that will enable them to become the pioneers and leaders of tomorrow.

We recognize and honor the pioneers for the qualities that enabled them to overcome hardship, build communities, and create opportunities for those who followed.

These values include:

• **Faith** — a strong belief in God and reliance upon faith during times of uncertainty and hardship.
• **Family** — a deep commitment to family, its welfare, and the bonds that unite generations.
• **Loyalty** — dedication to one's church, community, country, and the principles in which one believes.
• **Work and Service** — a willingness to work diligently and use one's abilities to assist and serve others.
• **Courage** — the strength to face adversity, hardship, and uncertainty without surrendering to fear.
• **Integrity** — maintaining honesty, personal responsibility, and strong moral character in both public and private life.
• **Determination** — the perseverance to continue pursuing worthy goals despite obstacles, setbacks, or difficult circumstances.

These principles represent the enduring pioneer spirit: faith, commitment, service, courage, character, and perseverance. They remain valuable not only in remembering those who came before us, but also in guiding the generations who will shape the future.