09/17/2026
Dear Mayflower Cousins,
It is an extraordinary honor to write to you for the first time as Governor General of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
As I begin this new responsibility, my first thought is one of gratitude. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the General Congress, grateful to those who have encouraged and mentored me along the way, and especially grateful for the thousands of members whose dedication makes our Society what it is today.
Nearly 30,000 members strong, The Mayflower Society is an extraordinary community. We are genealogists and historians, volunteers and leaders, educators and preservationists. We are longtime members and newly approved descendants. We live across the United States and around the world, connected by a remarkable story that began more than four centuries ago.
But membership in this Society is about more than proving a lineage.
We have inherited something worth preserving and, just as importantly, something worth sharing.
Together, we have the responsibility to preserve the history of the Mayflower passengers and their descendants, support sound genealogical scholarship, care for the historic places and collections entrusted to us and help new generations understand why the experiences of those who came before us still matter.
As Governor General, I want us to build on the tremendous work already underway throughout the General Society and our Member Societies. That means strengthening the connection between Plymouth and our members everywhere, supporting the volunteers who are the lifeblood of this organization, embracing technology where it can serve our mission, welcoming prospective and new members, and ensuring that The Mayflower Society remains strong and relevant for generations to come.
I also believe we should never lose sight of something wonderfully simple: this is your Society.
Its strength is found in members who serve on committees, attend meetings, help applicants, conduct research, preserve local history, support our educational and preservation efforts, welcome new members, and share the Mayflower story in their own communities.
There is much ahead of us, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together.
In the months ahead, I hope to use Notes from the Boat to keep you informed not only about what is happening at the General Society, but also about the people, ideas, projects, and opportunities that are moving us forward. Communication should travel both ways, and I look forward to hearing from you as well.
Thank you for your membership, your service, and your commitment to our shared heritage. It is a privilege to serve as your Governor General, and I look forward to the journey ahead.
With gratitude,
Martin W. Beerman
Governor General
General Society of Mayflower Descendants
