About Us

Iowa Chapter Mission Statement

Our mission is to honor the courage and integrity of our Pilgrim ancestors, to preserve our heritage, to educate the public about our forefathers, to promote the study of history, and to foster appreciation for the liberties and freedom that we enjoy today.

Founding

In 1876, while America was celebrating its centennial, many Americans became interested in perpetuating the memory of their ancestors who helped found our country.  Several states in the northeast began to mobilize and the first Society of Mayflower Descendants was established in New York City on December 22, 1894. Mayflower Societies quickly formed across the nation. Delegates from the existing Societies met in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to form the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) on January 12, 1897.  Membership in the Mayflower Society is through state and regional societies (chapters).  Since its founding in 1894, GSMD over 104,000 members have been approved.  Current adult membership in all state and regional Mayflower societies is over 30,000.

GSMD is committed to research on lineal descent of the Mayflower Pilgrims and education about the Pilgrims who traveled aboard the ship Mayflower in 1620.  The Society provides education and understanding of why the Mayflower Pilgrims were important, how they shaped western civilization, and what the voyage means today. Among other achievements, the Mayflower Compact was the first form of government by the people, for the people.

The Iowa Society of Mayflower Descendants was founded March 27, 1928, with 23 charter members.  Adult and junior (birth to age 25) memberships are available for descendants of Iowa members. Since 1928, 1688 adults have been approved as members in Iowa.  Currently, there are over 365 active adult members and 262 junior members in the Iowa Mayflower Society.