Mayflower Society

I have Canadian roots. Might I have Mayflower ancestors?

The simple answer: yes. If your family was from an area that was popular with the New England “planters” , Revolutionary War era Loyalists, or economic “Late Loyalists,” they may have roots in colonial Massachusetts. If you want to identify Mayflower line ancestors, focus on using established techniques for researching planters, loyalists, or late loyalists.Continue reading “I have Canadian roots. Might I have Mayflower ancestors?”

How do I start my application to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants?

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (“Mayflower Society”) is made up of 54 member societies. To start your application, you need to begin by choosing the society to which you would like to apply. Some applicants choose a society based on emotional ties to an area. They may have grown up there, or it mayContinue reading “How do I start my application to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants?”

Is there an easy way to check my Mayflower line?

Think you have Mayflower ancestors but aren’t ready to delve into the research yourself? There are three good options to help you check the line. If you apply for Mayflower Lineage Match, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants will check to see what portion of the line has been documented in a previous application. ThereContinue reading “Is there an easy way to check my Mayflower line?”

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?”