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News
General Board of Assistants Meeting Recap: Virginia Delegation in Asheville, NC
Those who arrived early were treated to a tour of the iconic Biltmore House. Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in small group workshops, committee meetings, receptions, and social gatherings, building connections with cousins from other member societies. Saturday was devoted to business sessions, where the Executive Committee presented detailed reports. Former Governor General Jane E. Groves Riddell Hurt shared updates on the Mayflower Society House, while Lea Sinclair Filson, also a Former Governor General, reported on the National Pilgrim Memorial Meetinghouse. A highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding contributions within the Mayflower community. We were especially proud of our own Nancy Saul, who was nominated for her exceptional service in North Carolina and Virginia by Meg Averett, Steve Pike, and Lee Woody. The Governor General’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bonnie Wade Mucia, Director of the Silver Books Project. This honor recognizes her remarkable dedication to preserving the genealogical records and legacy of our Pilgrim ancestors. The meeting concluded with an invitation from Texas Society Governor Kimberly Florsheim, who welcomed everyone to the next GBOA gathering, set for 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. We would love for you to join us as part of the Virginia delegation!
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In early September, a ten-member delegation from the Virginia Mayflower Society attended the annual General Board of Assistants (GBOA) Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. Held from September 6-8, the event was a wonderful blend of business, history, and fellowship, bringing together Mayflower cousins from across the globe. Virginia Mayflower Society attends the 43rd Congress of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (Plymouth, Massachusetts, Wednesday, September 13, 2023) -- The Virginia Mayflower Society was well represented by Cindy Carlson, Marsha Masone, Karen Pogoloff, and Lee Hardin Woody by attending the 43rd Congress at Plymouth, Massachusetts held September 8-13, 2023. Events included cocktails on the wharf, touring the ship Mayflower II, walking in the Pilgrim Progress, and enjoying social and business meetings with many new cousins. Congratulations to Meg Averett for receiving the 2023 Governor’s General Distinguished Service Award at the 43rd GSMD Congress! A well-deserved honor. |
Nov 2023 - Virginia Society Compact Day Luncheon special guest: Bonnie Wade Mucia, Director of the Mayflower Silver Books Project, General Society of Mayflower Descendants. | 6 May 2023 - Virginia Society Spring Luncheon special guest: Kate LaPrad - Deputy Director, Education and Strategic Partnerships at Plimoth Plantation Museums. |
6 May 2022 - Reception for Board of Assistants | 7 May 2022 - Virginia Society General Membership Meeting |
MAYFLOWER SOCIETY WELCOMES 100,000TH APPLICATION
Plymouth, MA (May 27, 2021) – Scott Watson, U.S. Army Retired, grew up in America, went on to defend his country, and now has become the 100,000th descendant to be accepted into the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD). His ancestor, William Brewster, landed here in 1620 on the ship Mayflower. Fifteen generations later, Brewster’s family is still telling the story.
“GSMD has member societies in every U. S. State, District of Columbia, Canada, Europe, and Australia,” said GSMD Governor General Jane Hurt. “Since this year marks the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving, the interest in the Mayflower story has been enormous.”
In an emotional Zoom call this week, Scott learned the news from Governor General Jane Hurt, Historian General Midge Hurtuk, Virginia Society Governor James Maloney and Virginia Society Historian Jamie Callender. As they all traded stories about how they first learned of their Mayflower heritage, lots of laughs were exchanged.
“I am honored to continue the lineage to a Mayflower ancestor and to get to know all my distant relatives when I attend Virginia meetings,” said Watson. “Now that I know I am a Mayflower descendant, I am anxious to go to Plymouth and see where it all began.”
Lucky for Scott, he will get his wish. In addition to bestowing a gift certificate to Scott for Mayflower Society swag, he will receive a trip for two to Plymouth, compliments of See Plymouth, the local tourism organization.
“This society has prevailed since 1897 because the Mayflower Story is so important to American history,” said Historian General Midge Hurtuk. “It is through encouraging those who descend from the Pilgrim ancestors to research their lineage that we make sure this story is told forever.”
ADOPTED CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE VIRGINIA MAYFLOWER SOCIETY
Richmond, VA (November 19, 2022) – Proposed amendments to the Society’s Constitution and Bylaws were presented at the last Virginia Board of Assistants meeting. These changes include, among other things, provisions for electronic Board of Assistants meetings and more flexibility in meeting dates for Society’s Luncheons. These proposed changes were voted upon at the November membership meeting.
Williamsburg, VA (May 4, 2024) – Proposed amendments to the Society’s Constitution and Bylaws were presented at the last Virginia Board of Assistants meeting. These changes address membership status and the timeline for collecting state and national dues. These proposed changes were voted upon at the Spring membership meeting.
To review the updated constitution and bylaws, go to the Members Only Section