|
v GOVERNOR'S GREETINGS
WHO WILL STAND FOR WINSLOW? I grew up "Winslow". While I am a descendant of multiple Mayflower Pilgrims through my paternal grandmother, Eva Winslow, she was also a descendant of Kenelm Winslow, brother of the Pilgrim, Edward Winslow. We have always identified as Winslow. In 2011 my husband (also a descendant of multiple Mayflower Pilgrims) and I attended the General Society of Mayflower Descendants' Congress in Plymouth. This was our first Congress and we were quite taken with Pilgrims' Progress, the march from the Mayflower House to the First Parish Church, which coincidentally took place on September 11 as the residents of Plymouth were marking that anniversary with ceremonies just below Cole's Hill near Plymouth Rock. When we arrived at the church, part of the program was calling out the names of our Pilgrim ancestors with people bobbing up and down as their respective ancestor's name was called. I can still hear the gentleman calling out "Winslow". And no one stood up. Again "Winslow." No one stood up. He said, "same as last time." With that I stood and said, "Well, he was my uncle". And that was accepted. I came away from Plymouth thinking about the lack of Winslow participation knowing that there are fewer Edward Winslow descendants than that of his brothers. That led to a plan to form a Society of and for the Winslows. In 2014, the Winslow Heritage Society became a reality when 32 charter members and 4 junior members stepped out to form our group. We continue to grow. We are an inclusive Society. And, among family societies associated with the Mayflower Society, we are unique in that membership is not just limited to an original passenger on the Mayflower. Membership in our Society is open to those who can prove descent from Edward Winslow, SR., of England, including the five Winslow brothers who immigrated on the Mayflower (Edward and Gilbert) and during the Great Migration (John, Josiah and Kenelm); to anyone who can prove a DNA match to the "ancient" Winslows who may now be found in other European countries; and to any proven descendant of a Mayflower Pilgrim who also has an interest in the Winslow family. Friends of the Winslow Heritage Society are also welcome. I am pleased to say that the descendants of Edward, John, Kenelm and Josiah Winslow make up our current membership, as well as descendants of John Howland, William White, and Susannah Jackson White Winslow. I invite you to browse this web site to learn about the Winslow family and to encourage you to become part of this very special organization. All the best to you, Kathy Myers, Governor |
|