Members

Heritage. Patriotism. Fellowship.

The Massachusetts Society of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America is a hereditary and patriotic society.  Founded in 1896, the Order is made up of "Associates" who trace their ancestry back to those first colonists and who have forefathers in the same male ancestral line who served in the American Revolution. Today, as in the past, it is comprised of a wide range of individuals, all linked by a common heritage and dedicated to American ideals. The Society is apolitical and non-partisan

The principal objectives of the Order are to:

  • Bring together those who share this common heritage, regardless of political party, religious affiliation, or other differences
  • Promote patriotism and a respect for the character and heroism of the founders and patriots of America
  • Discover, collect and preserve the records, documents, monuments, and history of the first colonists and their descendants
  • Promote educational, historical, and patriotic program


The order honors our Founder and Patriot Ancestors. Founders being those who braved the elements and unknown and colonized British North America in its first 50 years, from 1607 through 1657. Patriots being those in the same line who fought for or supported the cause of American Independence.

Qualifying for membership is, by design, very  difficult and this is reflected in our numbers. We welcome inquiries and candidates and guest are welcome at our regular meetings.

We have a sister organization that can be reached at:
National Daughters of the OFPA
Website: NationalSocietyDFPA.com

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Our History.

Organized in 1914, the Massachusetts Society is one of the earliest and largest of the state societies and represents associates from Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. We host several social and educational meetings throughout the year. These meetings are open to Associates and gentleman and lady guests who are share an interest in colonial and revolutionary history. These luncheon or dinner events are generally held at historical or cultural venues.Our focus is the unifying elements of our shared heritage. Our passion for family and national history, and our love of country. We avoid partisan politics or deeply divisive topics. As part of our mission, the Society provides service to the community at large int he way of financial and educational supports that align to our historical, hereditary, and patriotic character.

Membership.

We welcome inquiries and new members. Our membership requirements are among the most stringent of any Hereditary society. You must be a gentleman over the age of 18 years, of good moral character and reputation, and a citizen of the United States, who is lineally descended, in the male line of either parent, from an ancestor who settled in any of the colonies now included in the United States of America prior to May 13, 1657; and one or all of whose intermediate ancestors in the same line, who lived in the period of the American Revolution, from 1775 to 1783, adhered as patriots to the cause of the colonies, shall be eligible for membership in the Order. In addition, any man as described above is qualified for membership upon proving that his father or either grandfather was qualified, even though they may not themselves have become Associates (up to 5 surnames in a direct line are possible). Male descendants of any Associate are also qualified to become members. Our standards for membership are rigid and they should be, as they represent the unique heritage of Founder and Patriot lineage.

Need help? The New England Historic Genealogical Society offers Lineage Society Application Services.

Appplying for Membership.

If you beleive you may qualify and would like to join the society of other men with similar heritage and patriotic values, we encourage you to inquire.  The process is as follows:

  1. Please feel free to contact us using the form below.
  2. If we feel you qualify for membership, you will be invited to attend a meeting as our guest so you can meet associates and learn more about the Society
  3. Provide a preliminary application with an applicaiton fee.
  4. Provide a comprehensive genealogy, our genealogist can assist you if necessary, for an addiitonal fee.
  5. After a thorough review by our genealogist, you will be proposed for membership and seconded by two Associates who can vouch for you. These may be associates you have known or have met through attending our events. Otherwise an interview can be arranged.
  6. Your application with approved genealogy will be voted on by the Council
  7. Your approved application will be forwarded to the General Society for final approval.
  8. You may join as a Life or Annual Member

Contact

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