Which Historical Societies Will You Join?

Have you ever wondered what’s involved in joining a historical society?

After finding out many years ago that I could claim I was a descendant of John and Priscilla (Mullin) Alden of the Mayflower I thought about joining the Mayflower Society and the Alden Kindred of America.  I am told that the Alden’s have the largest group of descendants.  Oh, but what would be involved in doing this?

Every year when I attend the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree I visit the Mayflower Society booth and pick up an application.  I get home and I put it in my ‘To Do’ pile and things get piled on top of it.  So, after putting off for many years beginning the application process I decided today was a good day to get things started. 

Here’s the form;

OK, so while I was at it I decided to see about the application for  the Alden Kindred of America.  I  decided to Google the Alden Kindred of America and found their website.  First thing I did was join the group.  After I joined I also decided I should start of the process of certifying my Alden lineage.  Over the years I have been obtaining as much documentation as I can to verify my lineage.  I have put off joining for fear that I don’t have all the documentation I will need but I guess I won’t know until I try.

Here’s the form;

The Alden Kindred of America application I submitted electronically.  The Preliminary Review Form is completed and in it’s envelope ready for the mail.  I’ll let you know how things progress.  I would encourage all of you that have ancestry that leads back to the Pilgrims to apply also.

Interesting…yesterday while scrapbooking with a group I had the pleasure of meeting a woman, actually sitting across the table from me, who after a discussion that came up about genealogy realized we can both trace ancestry to John and Priscilla Alden.  You just never know who you will meet!  We both have the same first names and both were born back East but now live in San Diego, CA.  Now we need to compare notes and see which of John and Priscilla’s children she is descended from to see how closely we are related. 

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

 

Enjoy the journey,

Debby