Houston Colony
Dear Cousin,
We are here to welcome you to our Houston Colony of the Society of Mayflower
Descendants in the State of Texas, originally organized in 1945.
We are an active group, committed to the idea of preserving and sharing our
common Mayflower heritage, learning more about our Pilgrim Ancestors, and
most of all, “Having Fun”!
With two meeting each year, our members enjoy interesting and educational
activities that have featured 17th century re-enactors, (from Plymouth), lectures
on the latest archaeology in colonial Virginia, Maryland, and New England, (at
times featuring some of our own “family” of professional lecturers, and
researchers), and Professors from our local Universities. We meet in May, at a
local restaurant, and again the Sunday before Thanksgiving at the Braeburn
Country Club where we celebrate our very special Compact Day luncheon, (a
traditional Thanksgiving meal).
Everyone (yes, that includes you and your family), is invited to join us at these
luncheon/meetings to learn more about what our Houston Colony is up to these
days. We are especially pleased to include our young “Pilgrims” in our meetings
and activities. Our youth have found our guest speakers engaging. Everyone
will have a chance to demonstrate knowledge of his or her ancestors, (and learn
even more), by participating in, what has become a Houston Tradition, our
“Know Your Pilgrim Quiz”. You will find the group warm and welcoming, and
we are in hopes you will decide to join us. Dues are only $10 per year, and
payable by December 31st each year. Our Silent Auction at our Compact
Luncheon draws a lot of interest with many items donated by our members.
The proceeds go directly to our “1620 Scholarship Fund”.
We are also dedicated to advancing our educational mission. We give books
and make presentations to local schools about the Pilgrims and their legacy. In
addition, we award one scholarship of $1620 to a graduating high school senior
who is a child, grandchild or family member in the direct Mayflower line of a
Houston Society of Mayflower member. If you have someone in your family
who may qualify, see the scholarship application details on this website.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 12:00 noon, at the
Braeburn Country Club, 8101 Bissonnet. We are excited to announce Doni
Wilson, Ph.D, , Houston Baptist University will share the story of Sara Josepha
Hale: The Godmother of Thanksgiving, and how she influenced Abraham
Lincoln to set aside Thanksgiving as an official Holiday. Other details to
follow. You are welcome to attend, even if you have not become a Colony
member, yet. See you there!
Charles R. Prince, Houston Colony Governor 2019-2021