General Society of Mayflower Descendants

Common Mayflower Society Questions: Can I access old applications to see what’s on file already?

Lineage society applications sometimes contain research goldmines. There’s the attestation from someone that died decades ago or the Bible family record that’s gone missing. The old Mayflower Society applications are no different. But how do you access them? FamilySearch and the New England Historic Genealogical Society have announced a partnership to digitize General Society ofContinue reading “Common Mayflower Society Questions: Can I access old applications to see what’s on file already?”

Common Mayflower Society Questions: What marriage records do I need to provide?

All lineage societies require some documentation of births, deaths, and marriages (if they happened). In most cases, the society requires only the record of the marriage that produced the child. The Mayflower Society is a bit different : in general, you will be asked to provide all marriage records for the “line carrier.” Who isContinue reading “Common Mayflower Society Questions: What marriage records do I need to provide?”

Common Mayflower Society Questions: Who do I contact to start my application?

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants is made up of 53 member societies. There is a member society for each of the 50 states, one for Washington D.C., one for Canada, and one for Europe. Prospective members are required to apply through the member society. Thankfully, the GSMD keeps a list of member society contactContinue reading “Common Mayflower Society Questions: Who do I contact to start my application?”

Common Mayflower Society Questions: Is it too late to get a 2020 number?

The 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower is 2020, and many are celebrating with Mayflower Society membership. Is it too late to get a 2020 number if you apply now? Maybe. Covid-19 has pushed processing dates back. As of early June 2020, application review time was averaging about 7 months. That may speedContinue reading “Common Mayflower Society Questions: Is it too late to get a 2020 number?”

What documents do I need to provide for a Mayflower Society application?

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants – the Mayflower Society – has among the lineage world’s most strict requirements about the documents that need to be provided in an application. Here are the basic guidelines: The Silver Books and previous applications should be used to document any generations already on file. If a vital recordContinue reading “What documents do I need to provide for a Mayflower Society application?”