Australian Mayflower Society - Research lineage

Junior Members

Junior Mayflower members are the youngest descendants of the pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620. Junior members are located in the USA, Canada, UK and Europe as well as here in Australia.

Junior membership in any Mayflower Society is a great way to help a young person understand their historical roots, learn about their ancestors, and develop international friendships with others who share their heritage.

Junior members are aged under 18 and most are sponsored by a parent, grandparent or other relative to join one of the Mayflower member societies worldwide. If you're already a proven Mayflower descendant, arranging a junior membership is easy as no formal GSMD application proving descent from a Pilgrim is required.

In Australia, we welcomed our first Junior member in 2021 and we're excited to see our junior membership growing. Learn more about the benefits and how to apply below or simply download the application form to sponsor a junior now.

Junior membership can make a wonderful gift for your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Helping a young person to understand where they came from and celebrate their culture and family traditions can make them realise just how special and unique they are!

Junior Member Benefits

Junior member benefits

Junior member certificate – Junior members receive a special illustrated Membership Certificate on joining.
Scholarship opportunities are available to Mayflower descendants graduating from high school who will be attending college or university for 2-4 years. See the GSMD website scholarship information for details.
Educational resources – You'll find some great recommendations for books, videos and events to inspire young descendants on the GSMD Juniors Facebook page. The GSMD Junior Committee, (chaired by Peggy Marsh, a dual Australian-US member) finds and evaluates educational materials, and encourages communication between member societies.
International connections – Keep up with Junior activities, ask questions and make contacts with others via the GSMD Juniors Facebook group. Junior Committee members from the Mayflower Societies worldwide also share activities they have hosted, post ideas for Juniors events, and network with others through Facebook.

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Eligibility
& how to apply

As outlined in the AUSMD Inc. Constitution Article III, a member in good standing may apply for membership on behalf of any person under 18 years of age who is related to a past or present member by blood through the proven line.

The recommending member should apply by completing and signing the AUSMD Inc. Junior Membership application form and sending it with the fee ($35AUD) to the Historian. Proof of a direct bloodline relationship to a current member and a birth certificate are required.

The application is reviewed by the Australian Society’s Board of Assistants and approved subject to Australian rules and junior membership requirements.

A Junior Membership may continue until the age of 25, however upon attaining 18 years of age, the junior member can choose to become a Regular Member by complying with the requirements of regular membership.

Bylaws of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) also apply to Junior Membership. These include the option for Juniors to be elected to Life Membership, and that Juniors under 18 do not have the right to vote or hold office. The full GSMD by-laws can be found in the GSMD website members-only area.

Download the Juniors Application Form