Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Texas

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Texas, a state chapter of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, was founded in San Antonio, Texas on December 24, 1931. The goals of the Society are to join together people who share a common ancestry and to educate the public about the role of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact in the early history and development of the United States. The Texas chapter began when fourteen members convened the first meeting in San Antonio in December 1931. In addition to holding meetings and events and producing publications for members, the Mayflower Descendants have found ways to reach out to the community at large, notably through a Scholarship Fund for high school seniors graduating in Texas.

From the description of Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Texas records, 1931-2003. (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 230534828

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Texas, a state chapter of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, was founded in San Antonio, Texas on December 24, 1931. Membership in the Society is open to any individual who can document his or her descent from one of the twenty-nine passengers on the Mayflower who are known to have produced heirs. The goals of the Society are to join together people who share a common ancestry and to educate the public about the role of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact in the early history and development of the United States.

The Texas chapter began when fourteen members convened the first meeting in San Antonio in December 1931. In 1945-1946 the first Colonies, or local chapters of the state organization, were formed in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Abilene and San Antonio. As the population of Texas has continued to grow over the intervening decades, so has the number of Colonies; in 2006, new Colonies were founded in Central Texas and Tyler. The Colonies and the state Society have governing bodies of officers who perform specific duties within the organization, such as the Governor, Treasurer, Historian and Recording and Corresponding Secretaries. In addition to holding meetings and events and producing publications for members, the Mayflower Descendants have found ways to reach out to the community at large, notably through a Scholarship Fund for high school seniors graduating in Texas.

From the guide to the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Texas Records MS 62., 1931-2003, (University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections)