The Society of the First Families of New York is one of the oldest lineage societies in the United States. It honors and celebrates the first families who settled in New York before the American Revolution. This Society preserves the genealogy of the first families who arrived in New York and acknowledges their invaluable contributions to the emergence of the Empire State.
What is the Society of the First Families of New York?
The Society of the First Families of New York was founded in 1935 with the sole purpose of preserving the memory and the spirit of the original families of New York. It is a hereditary lineage society, meaning that membership and access to resources are passed from generation to generation. Benefits of the Society include access to records, network opportunities, and other resources related to the first families of New York.
Who is Eligible for Membership?
In order to become a member of the Society of the First Families of New York, an applicant must be a direct descendant of a family who resided in a New York colony prior to the Revolutionary War. The families must be listed in the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, a journal published since 1870 that catalogs the history of these early settlers. The applicant must provide proof of their lineage, such as a family tree or other source that traces the family line.
How Can I Join the Society of the First Families of New York?
There are three levels of membership at the Society of the First Families of New York. The first level is the Regular Member, which requires that you can provide proof of descent from a family who resided in a New York colony prior to the Revolutionary War. The second level is the Associate Member, which requires you to provide proof of your connection to a Revolutionary War soldier who resided in a colony prior to the war. Lastly, the Senior Member is the highest level of membership, and can be attained if you can provide proof of descent from three first families.
What are the Benefits of Joining the Society of the First Families of New York?
Joining the Society of the First Families of New York comes with many benefits. As a member, you will have access to:
• A free subscription to the journal, New York Genealogical and Biographical Record
• Records of early New York settlers
• Guidance on tracing family lineages
• Networking with other members
• The opportunity to attend educational and social events
• Discounts on publications and merchandise
What Events Does the Society of the First Families of New York Host?
The Society of the First Families of New York regularly hosts a variety of events for its members. These events provide members with the opportunity to connect with other members, attend educational lectures, and explore recreational activities.
• Educational forum – members attend a lecture or Q&A session featuring experts in the field of genealogy, history, or other related topics.
• Social events – members are invited to exhibit their creative talents and passions, such as art, music, literature, sports, cooking, and more.
• Reunion – members gather to celebrate the legacy of the first families of New York, the stories of their ancestry, and the history that surrounds the Society.
• Volunteer opportunities – members are invited to assist the Society with various events, such as organizing records and library materials, working on historical projects, and networking with other members.
• Field trips – members are offered the opportunity to explore historical sites, monuments, and buildings related to the first families of New York.
What Projects is the Society of the First Families of New York Working On?
The Society of the First Families of New York is dedicated to preserving and protecting the history of its members. In addition to organizing events and resources, the Society also works on various projects. Here are just a few of the projects the Society is currently working on:
• Restoring documents that chronicle the history of the first families of New York
• Establishing an online database to share records and resources
• Founding a museum to celebrate the legacy of the first families
• Organizing reunions to strengthen bonds among members
• Creating scholarship funds for students researching the first families of New York
• Supporting local historical societies and other organizations
• Collaborating with other lineage societies
The Society of the First Families of New York is an important part of the Empire State’s history. By joining the Society, you have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain access to a variety of resources related to the first families of New York. With a strong commitment to preserving the memory of these families, the Society of the First Families of New York is dedicated to ensure the legacy of the first families of New York is remembered and celebrated.
