Greetings from the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida. We have
recently revised and updated our website to better inform you about the Florida Society, and what is happening at our active state organization and 16 colonies throughout the state. We welcome new and transferring members to our organization. The Florida Society is one of the largest state organizations of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Membership information is included at this website. Please feel free to contact one of our state or colony officers for additional information.
History of the Florida Society of Mayflower Descendants
The Florida Society, the 28th state to organize,
was chartered 31 July 1937 with 24
charter
members.
The organizational meeting was held 07 Aug 1937, at
“Perrydell” in Rio Vista, overlooking the Halifax River,
north of Daytona Beach.
The first annual meeting was held in Jacksonville in the home of the
Secretary. Dinner was $1.00 per plate. Initiation fee $5.00;
annual dues $3.00; and, Life Membership $50.00.
The Florida Society's Charter was presented by Governor General Burnham
Standish Colburn. GG Colburn (NC #1
& first NC Mayflower State Governor) was the Governor General of the General Society for six years, from 1933 to 1939.
By 1958 six colonies had been chartered and many followed. We now
have 16 colonies throughout the state:
We average 1300 members annually with an additional
981 junior members in 2010. The organization is involved in school
programs, telling about our descendants’ lives and history and what
it means for our country today. The state organization sponsors an
annual scholarship program for High School seniors. A working Board
of Assistants make it all happen and great fellowship makes our
organization so meaningful.
You will need to document each generation between yourself and the Mayflower Pilgrim. Primary evidence consists of birth, death and marriage certificates. Who do I contact in order to join?
Contact the Historian at the colony which is geographically closest to you. You can see a map of the colonies by clicking the "colonies" link.
Always start with your immediate family, documenting births, deaths and marriages. In addition, many of the colonies supply local libraries with the Mayflower silver books, which are published by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. The silver books contain the first five generations of most of the Mayflower passengers. Your colony historian is available to assist you in finding the necessary documentation and to fill out your application.
Fees are as follows: There is a one-time fee of $115.00 to process your application. The yearly dues are $30.00.
How can I transfer my Mayflower membership to the Florida Society?
You need to request the transfer by contacting the historian of the Florida colony of choice and the historian of your current state. The previous state historian will verify that your dues are up to date and send a copy of your lineage papers and "letter of good standing" to the Florida State Historian. There is a $5.00 fee to transfer to Florida and generally a $5.00 fee is required from the previous state.
How can I become a member of the Florida Mayflower Society and still keep my membership in the original state?
You can become a "Dual" member, but will be required to pay dues to both state societies. There is no reciprocity for life membership from other states and you will be required to pay dues to the Florida Society. The procedure is the same as a transfer.
How can I contact the historian or other officers in another state?
You can check the website for that state for contact information, or each Spring issue of the Mayflower Quarterly lists each state with names and addresses of its officers.
What is the cost of supplemental applications?
The fee ($115.00) for supplemental applications is the same as the original application.
Can I find out if someone has already documented my line?
Individuals seeking copies of established lineage should contact the national organization in Plymouth. Information is available at http://www.themayflowersociety.com. There will be a fee of $20 charged for the copy. The state historian can request an approved application without cost, if requested by the colony historian to assist an applicant who is documenting his line for membership.
Where can I purchase the silver book on my Pilgrim ancestor?
The Mayflower Library in Plymouth. Click
here to go to the Mayflower Society Page. Choose
"Books and More".
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