While each colony operates within its own geographic focus and community projects, we remain unified under the Nevada State Society and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD). Every November, “cousins” from across the Silver State come together to commemorate the signing of the Mayflower Compact on November 11, 1620, at our annual Compact Day event.
About The Mayflower Society
More than four hundred years ago, 102 brave souls signed a covenant that changed the world forever. Today, that legacy lives through you. The principles expressed in the Mayflower Compact didn’t just stay in Plymouth; they evolved into the very civic freedoms of modern-day society. Whether you are voting in a local election or voicing your opinion at a town hall meeting, you are carrying forward the democratic commitment that began in 1620. The Nevada Mayflower Society is dedicated to preserving the sacrifices and promises made then, to ensure a better tomorrow for us all.
Our Mission
The Society of Mayflower Descendants is on a quest to bridge the gap between the 17th century and modern society—driven by an unwavering commitment to preserving a legacy that forever changed the Western World. Through honor, education, and meticulous research, we cultivate the foundations of self-government and uphold the true meaning of American democracy for generations to come.
Our Values
Outreach & Awareness
Instilling a passion for history and championing the Mayflower Compact as a cornerstone of identity.
Genealogical Integrity
Maintaining the highest standards to ensure every ancestral link is proven with unwavering accuracy.
Scholarship & Growth
Keeping the Pilgrim story intellectually rigorous through fresh research and modern publications.
Community & Fellowship
Fostering a vibrant network of descendant “cousins” to sustain a shared legacy.
Historical Stewardship
Serving as vigilant guardians of historical properties and truths for each generation to come.
Discover the past, embrace the legacy
The Mayflower Society Timeline
1876A Legacy Reborn: The History of the Mayflower SocietyIn 1876, as the United States celebrated its centennial, a new wave of patriotism sparked a renewed interest in the ancestors who helped establish the blueprint of American democracy. To honor the courage, resilience, and democratic contributions of the Mayflower Pilgrims, descendants across the Northeast began to mobilize.
- The Foundation of the General Society1894
The movement reached its first major milestone on December 22, 1894, with the establishment of the first official Society of Mayflower Descendants in New York City.
1896Spreading Across the NortheastThat momentum continued into 1896 as three additional states joined the cause:
• Connecticut: March 7
• Massachusetts: March 28
• Pennsylvania: July 1- A Unified National Presence1897
On January 12, 1897, delegates from existing societies met in Plymouth, MA, to officially establish the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD). Later that year, Illinois became the first society to be chartered by the newly formed General Society.
2026Expansion to the WestColorado receives its own official Charter, marking the first society established west of the Mississippi River.
- A Global Legacy2026
Since its inception, the Society has grown into an international organization with over 100,000 members who have successfully proven their descent, ensuring the Pilgrim legacy continues to thrive across the globe.
The Nevada Legacy
As a regional branch of the General Society of Mayflower Descendents–founded in Plymouth, MA in 1897–our Nevada Society serves as a vital bridge to our ancestral past. We are dedicated to a community of ‘cousins’ committed to uncovering the lineal threads that connect modern Nevadans to the 102 passengers aboard the 1620 Mayflower voyage.
Through our active colonies in both Northern and Southern Nevada, we ensure that the Pilgrim spirit of courage and self-governance continues to inspire future generations across the Silver State.
Our Regional Colonies
The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Nevada is organized into two primary regional hubs, offering descendants a local home to connect, share genealogical research, and participate in historical preservation for the region.
While each colony operates within its own geographic focus and community projects, we remain unified under the Nevada State Society and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD). Every November, “cousins” from across the Silver State come together to commemorate the signing of the Mayflower Compact on November 11, 1620, at our annual Compact Day event.
Governed by the shared mission of the Nevada and General Societies, each colony maintains its own unique identity. Through localized community projects and a focus on regional history, our colonies allow descendants to celebrate their heritage within the context of their own Nevada neighborhood.
Governed by the shared mission of the Nevada and General Societies, each colony maintains its own unique identity. Through localized community projects and a focus on regional history, our colonies allow descendants to celebrate their heritage within the context of their own Nevada neighborhood.
The Northern Nevada Colony
Serving as the community cornerstone for the Reno-Tahoe and Carson City sectors, the Northern Nevada Colony extends its reach into rural counties across Northern Nevada, including Douglas, Lyon and Storey. We focus on localized history roots and fostering a close-knit network of descendants in the northern half of the state.
The Las Vegas Colony
Serving our members in Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Colony provides a vibrant gathering point for descendants in the greater Las Vegas valley and surrounding areas. This colony leads local outreach efforts and provides dedicated support for those researching Pilgrim lineage in the south.