Welcome to SMDPA

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (SMDPA) was organized in 1896 by two Philadelphians, Francis Olcott Allen and Edward Clinton Lee, who were members of the New York Society. The charter was issued on 14 October 1896.

Although its governing Board of Assistants has been based historically in the Greater Philadelphia area, the Society has two Colonies. The Susquehanna Colony is located in Central Pennsylvania in the greater Harrisburg area and the Western Colony is located in Western Pennsylvania in the greater Pittsburgh area. Members are invited to participate in the State and Colony levels or merely through our award-winning quarterly newsletter, The Pennsylvania Mayflower.

From the Governor's Desk - 07/24/2026

A Summer Note from the SMDPA Governor

Dear Mayflower Cousins,

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful summer weather! This is always such a vibrant time of year, with gardens in full bloom, green fields stretching out under the sun, and local farmer's markets bursting with the season's first harvests. Watching everything grow naturally makes me think of our Pilgrim ancestors. They knew firsthand just how much hard work, patience, and daily care it took to yield a successful growing season in unfamiliar soil. For them, a bad harvest meant facing a brutal winter without enough food. For us, this season serves as a powerful annual reminder of the grit, faith, and determination required to build a community entirely from the ground up.

Lately, our society has been putting that same kind of careful nurturing and steady effort into a very special project. We are deeply invested in planning for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. This historic Semiquincentennial is a massive milestone for our nation, and we are taking extraordinary care with our preparations. Our goal is to ensure that the Pilgrim story is celebrated as a foundational cornerstone of this grand national narrative. We want the wider public to remember that American history did not simply begin in 1776; the essential bricks of our society were laid much earlier. It is a big responsibility to carry this legacy, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to share our pride in our lineage and educate our local communities.

Our deep connection to this upcoming national celebration really goes back to the crowded cabin of the Mayflower. When our ancestors signed the Mayflower Compact, they gave us a unique, enduring heritage. Faced with absolute uncertainty in a wild new world, they chose unity over chaos. By agreeing to govern themselves through just and equal laws for the common good, they planted the very first seeds of American democracy and constitutional law. That single, brief document established a legacy of community responsibility, civic duty, and democratic ideals that we still benefit from today. Every time we meet, share family stories, or support historical preservation, we are keeping those timeless values alive.

As we look forward to these historic anniversary celebrations, we want to make sure every single member has a chance to participate. We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our anniversary planning committee, contribute family anecdotes for our upcoming newsletter publications, and help organize local commemorative events. Your unique talents, ideas, and perspectives are exactly what we need to make this milestone truly memorable for our society.

As you enjoy your summer travels, backyard barbecues, and sunny days with family and friends, thank you for everything you do to keep our shared history thriving. Let's use this beautiful season of growth to strengthen our own bonds of fellowship and prepare for the historic celebrations ahead.

Warmly,

Mike Saunders, SMDPA Governor, [email protected]