Welcome to SMDPA

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (SMDPA) was organized in 1896 by two Philadelphians, Francis Olcott Allen and Edward Clinton Lee, who were members of the New York Society. The charter was issued on 14 October 1896.

Although its governing Board of Assistants has been based historically in the Greater Philadelphia area, the Society has two Colonies. The Susquehanna Colony is located in Central Pennsylvania in the greater Harrisburg area and the Western Colony is located in Western Pennsylvania in the greater Pittsburgh area. Members are invited to participate in the State and Colony levels or merely through our award-winning quarterly newsletter, The Pennsylvania Mayflower.

From the Governor's Desk - 02/16/2021

400 years ago, our ancestors were struggling with severe famine and sickness in their first winter in the new land. This caused their numbers to drop by almost half. It’s hard to imagine the grief they suffered and the strength it must have taken to carry on. This is in contrast to our present pandemic.

The vaccines are underway. It is only a matter of time before our membership and their families can share together in our traditional “in person” celebrations. Our Board of Assistants meetings have gone virtual using zoom. Our Spring meeting is doubtful as the vaccines are progressing but not fast enough to lower our risk. We expect to celebrate the first Thanksgiving this fall and I look forward to seeing everyone in person at one of our events. Our members and committees remain busy with many accomplishments under their belt detailed below.

Our historians have been hard at work adding over 70 new members last year, with over 100 more in the application process! Our numbers total over 800 members at year end.

The General Society is revamping their website and I am a contributing member of the committee. This will streamline many processes, attract new members and position us for growth! We should be complete by fall. This is funded by the dues increases and secures the society’s future.

Our newsletter team has produced this work in the heart of winter with interesting articles and needed updates.  Please take advantage of your $20 store credit, it is now time to redeem.

Our financial state is solid as our strategy to keep a percentage of resources in the stock market has grown to an all time high. Our dues increase was less as we transition the higher costs from the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. It is our mission to provide value to members in times when meetings are not possible using other means. As of this writing in mid-February, over 1/3 have already returned their dues, thank you!

We recently hosted a book discussion about the early days of Stephen Hopkins with Dr. Kelly’s “Marooned”. This was our first adventure into this format as James Campbell made the introduction and facilitated the event. Brian Atwood coordinated with James Campbell producing over 70 attendees and providing new insights into Hopkin’s exploits including shipwrecks and Jamestown. An audio/visual recording of this presentation can be found on our SMDPA Facebook page.  We hope to add more events featuring other Pilgrims.

Our nominating committee is presenting a very talented slate for consideration. We have a very talented team of leaders volunteering thousands of hours yearly.  Good luck to all under consideration and many thanks to all that have served!

As you may know, James Buckner was our 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Pilgrim award. We are catching up on 2019 and on time for 2020. The award is our highest honor for exemplary work and service to the SMDPA. The two recipients today are truly worthy of the award and the $500 that accompanies it.

Both candidates qualify based on the superb performance in finance and secretary officer duties alone. And both were intimately involved in our successful conversion to the Star Chapter website over the last two years. Countless hours are logged keeping us on track by this duo and they have worn many “hats”. I completely trust them for sound advice, on time actions and unselfishness in every moment.

We are blessed to have them in our midst! Three cheers for Scott and Laura!

2019 Scott Bond                           2020 Laura Tyndall

May God bless you and your family, keeping all healthy and in faith during this very unique time!

Respectfully,

Reed Kneale

Governor SMDPA, [email protected]