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.
• 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, European and Australian Societies as they have evolved.
• In 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 1,400 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

• The opportunity to uphold the Mayflower heritage in the face of a rapidly changing world.


• Support with pride in the principles established when the Mayflower Compact was written in 1620 initiated the democratic form of government upon which our U.S. Constitution is based.


• Establish contact 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.
  • Receive news that is relevant to your heritage.
    • The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, headquartered in Plymouth, MA, provides extensive genealogical and historical information. See themayflowersociety.org
    
    
    • 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. 
    
    
    
  • Receive publications from both the General Society and the Connecticut Society.
    • The Mayflower Quarterly, published by GSMD, provides  current activities of the various societies.
    
    
    • The Nutmeg Gratings, published by CSMD, provides educational articles, information about our luncheon/meetings held twice a year in various locations in Connecticut and other matters of interest to our members.