Welcome new and existing members! Our ranks increase monthly as our Historians do their yeoman’s work guiding applicants through the maze of membership.  Over 50 new applications (including Juniors) have been approved this year!  And the historians are reviewing Supplemental applications in between the new membership review.

I just returned from a visit to Plymouth celebrating my Manx connection through Miles Standish. The North American Manx Association hosted a trip to Patuxet and a tour of the Mayflower II. Always great to be in Plymouth! Had a chance encounter with Myles Standish and was very impressed with his perspective of life in 1627, which is the year they are representing right now. If you haven’t been to Plymouth MA, add it to your “bucket list”.

My role has changed to acting Governor until Co-Deputy Governor James Campbell takes the reigns. James brings an experienced historical volunteer resume and is meeting with our team to better understand their challenges. He has also initiated surveys to gauge interest in new and upcoming events/activities.  Our first member survey is in your email inbox and the survey is active until August 14^th.  Thank you if you’ve already responded.  This information will help the society tremendously.

Our members and committees remain busy with many accomplishments under their belt detailed below.

• We awarded 2 scholarships this year!  The Elizabeth Tilley Howland Scholarship winner is James Goss.  Additionally, the society awarded a one-time Covid Perseverance Award to Patrick Sullivan for his essay submission.  Details on their winning compositions can be found here. https://sail1620.org/Scholarship_Winner_2022
• Hopefully you didn’t miss out on your free copy of “Stephano” by Andrew Buckley. Andrew’s video characterized Stephen Hopkins many adventures and was very entertaining.  In addition to the video, the author hosted a live Question and Answer session in May.
• Another virtual event, “Never the less, she persisted.” Pilgrim life through the eyes of Elizabeth Tilley Howland was presented in March to honor Women’s history month.
• Speaking of Dr. Horton, a big hit in our store is her new booklet, The Woman and Girls of the First Thanksgiving. It is available in our on-line store for $3 including shipping. All proceeds are donated to the education fund and 200 copies have sold so far. Purchases have been from all over the country! She has now followed up “THE WOMEN AND GIRLS OF THE MAYFLOWER: PILGRIMS OF SANDWICH AND HENLOW for $4 including shipping. Keep an eye out for more books in this series.
• Did you know the Western Colony is over 75 years old? Their Spring meeting on May 21^st at Edgeworth Country Club featured a re-enactor of President Grant. They also scheduled a picnic that unfortunately was cancelled. 
• Pam Palchowski created a Juniors’ Event featuring the Pirates and Phillies at PNC Park July 31^st. We had 16 attendees from all over the state with the Phillies prevailing! Wonderful and fun event, NICE WORK Pam!
• We hope to celebrate Thanksgiving in person (finally after 2 years!) with church service followed by a traditional dinner.  Stay tuned for details.
• We have a high percentage of retained memberships, truly have loyal cousins. SMDPA’s financial state is solid as our strategy to invest in 60/40 equities vs. bonds has proven the test of time.
• There have been several donations from our membership that are greatly appreciated and will be put to work on our activities.

Thank you for your dues and membership!

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