Hereditary Order of the First Families of Massachusetts
Founded 1985
Eligibility for membership is open to individuals at least eighteen years old and is determined based on proven lineal descent from an ancestor who was a resident of Massachusetts Bay Colony before the year 1650. Descent in each generation must be from parents who were lawfully married. Applicants must be acceptable to the Committee on Admissions.
Order of the Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
Founded 1988
Those individuals eligible for membership shall be at least eighteen years of age with legitimate descent from (1) a member of The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts who served between the years 1637-1774; (2) a minister who preached the Election Sermon during the years 1638-1774; (3) Governor John Winthrop, (4) Deputy Governor Thomas Dudley, (5) a member of the Council or a delegate to the General Court in 1638 when the Company Charter was granted, (6) members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts “by right of descent,” or (7) members of the National Society of Women Descendants of The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
The Plymouth Hereditary Society
Founded 1990
An applicant must prove lineal descent from an ancestor who settled in one or more of the 18 towns of the Plymouth Colony from 1620 through 1691 and must be acceptable to the Committee on Enrollment. For purposes of this Society, the term “settle” refers to the establishment of residence in the Colony for at least one year, although possibly in more than one town during that time.
Order of the First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Founded 1991
Membership is open to any person of the age of eighteen (18) years or more who can prove direct descent from an individual who was a proven resident in a part of Rhode Island as we know it today by December 31, 1647.
Order of the First Families of Maine 1604 – 1652
Founded 2003
Membership is open to individuals at least eighteen years of age, who are lineal descendants of an ancestor who was a resident of present-day Maine, by the year 1652. Membership is by invitation only and shall be extended by the President General. Membership inquiries are welcome.
The Hereditary Order of the First Families of Connecticut 1633-1662
Founded 2004
Men and women over the age of eighteen years, who are lineal descendants of men and women, who, between the years 1633 and 1662, resided anywhere within the bounds of the present-day state of Connecticut may be eligible for membership. The fact that the land on which they lived was formerly claimed by another jurisdiction is immaterial.
Order of First Families of Vermont 1609-1791
Founded 2010
Men and women, over the age of 18 years, who are lineal descendants of men or women who, between 1609 and March 4, 1791, (a) resided anywhere within the bounds of the present-day state of Vermont, (b) were engaged in commercial enterprise within the bounds of the present-day state of Vermont, regardless of their place of residence, (c) owned land situated within the bounds of the present-day state of Vermont, or (d) had military service of record that benefited or sought to secure the liberty of the state of Vermont, may be eligible for membership. The fact that the land on which they lived was formerly claimed by another jurisdiction is immaterial.
New England Hereditary Societies 