The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Wyoming is a non-profit, hereditary society organized in 1955 dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the pilgrims through genealogical and historical research. The Pilgrims (often confused with Puritans) were passengers aboard the Mayflower, a ship on its maiden voyage to the New World.

Their purpose was to build a new home where they could enjoy religious freedom and create a society in which their language, culture and religion could be lived and passed on to their children. Their journey ended in November of 1620 when they landed on the Plymouth shore. Before landing, the Pilgrims drafted and agreed to abide by the Mayflower Compact, a document of self-government, which first introduced the ideas of law - made by the people - and liberty, to the New World. These ideas and liberties impacted our Founding Fathers, as those ideas were later embodied in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Under the governance of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, the Wyoming society maintains an active public presence, as well as regular membership gatherings which include historical and educational speakers. We are engaged in the effort to encourage public awareness of America’s early history.

In order to join, descendants of Mayflower passengers must be able to document linear descent from any of the 102 passengers may apply for society membership; applicants 18 and older are eligible for membership in the Wyoming Mayflower Society, and those under the age of 18 may be eligible for junior membership. Documented applications must be approved by the Wyoming Historian, as well as the Historian General before membership is granted.

If you have a blood relative who is already a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, your necessary documentation may be substantially reduced.