HEREAS, Governor John Winthrop and the Puritan colonists who came with him to plant the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 were the most important and influential single group of Europeans ever to arrive in North America, the Winthrop Society is dedicated to preserving their memory, philosophy and tradition, and transmitting their example of courage, faith, civic duty and integrity."

*TRIBUTE:  Read about John Winthrop's influence on the personal and governing philosophy of the late former president Ronald W. Reagan, as reflected in his June 11, 2004, memorial service. An excerpt of Winthrop's "Model of Christian Charity" was read by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (coverage and text), and the homily was delivered by former Missouri senator Rev. John C. Danforth (coverage and text). In the pages of our site, you may also view the full text of President Reagan's favorite John Winthrop sermon.

Welcome to the Web site of the Winthrop Society, a not-for-profit hereditary organization dedicated to historical and genealogical research and the dissemination of educational material.

The Winthrop Society gladly extends membership to all men and women of good character and proven descent from one or more passengers of the Winthrop fleet, or of others who settled in the Bay Colony and down east before 1634. We also welcome the efforts of any others who bring with them the fruits of any research that furthers the appreciation and understanding of seventeenth-century Massachusetts Bay and New England.

We encourage all visitors to explore our site and to find out more about the Winthrop Society and its goals, achievements, and membership.