In documenting my line for membership, what needs to be proven and what type of proof does one need?
The Society has researched and published four and five generations of many of the Mayflower passengers, therefore these early generations can be sourced by most State Historians. Some State Historians also have resources available to them and can check past these generations. As for the remainder, to put it simply – there are 2 people in each generation, the line carrier and the spouse. This means 2 births, 2 deaths and 1 marriage – 5 events to prove in each generation. A source must be provided to confirm each date – primary sources are preferable and expected, particularly to prove parentage of the line carrier. If a primary source cannot be found, a RELIABLE secondary source may be used in some cases. Your last 3 generations (i.e. yourself, parents, grandparents) and any date in the 1900’s, must be proven with full primary documents (birth, marriage, death records) and these should be ‘long form’ records wherever possible. Your State Historian will be able to advise you as to whethe
