NJ Mayflower
NJ Mayflower

History


THE PILGRIMS

In 1620, the small sailing vessel, The Mayflower, set out across the uncharted waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England for the northern part of the Colony of Virginia. Unable to reach the intended destination, it finally dropped anchor off Provincetown on Cape Cod early in November. Most of the 102 passengers were of English origin, Pilgrims seeking a new home free from religious persecution where they might retain their English identity and customs.

THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT

Before a single person went ashore, it was necessary to draw up an instrument of self-government for the little band to replace the original patent. This immortal Mayflower Compact was signed in the tiny cabin of the Mayflower on November 11 by all adult males whatever their stations. The Compact was modeled on the Covenant by which the Pilgrims had lived in Leyden for more than a decade and was later hailed by John Quincy Adams, among others, as "the first example in modern times of a social compact or system of government instituted by voluntary agreement … by men of equal rights … "

THE MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS

In remembrance of those God-fearing and dauntless Pilgrims, the first English settlers of New England, their descendants founded in 1897 the General Society of Mayflower Descendants followed later by various state societies under its overall jurisdiction.

The New Jersey Society was established in 1900.