“Our local descendants didn’t
always have the means to travel across
Pennsylvania to participate in meetings
and gatherings on the eastern side of
the commonwealth,” says Gailey. “So
the Western Colony was formed to help
descendants gather and carry on colony
business.”
According to the national website
for the General Society of Mayflower
Descendants, the Pilgrims were a group
of English people who came to America
seeking religious freedom during the reign
of King James I. Their journey to America
took roughly 10 years and included a long
stay in Holland where they were able to
worship as they wished under lenient
Dutch law.
However, fearing their children were
losing their English heritage and religious
beliefs, along with the resumption of war
and their inability as non-citizens to find
decent jobs, a small group of Pilgrims
made plans to settle in Northern Virginia,
as New England was known at the time.
In August 1620, the group sailed for
Southampton, England, where they met
with other English colonists who also
hoped to make a new life in America.
“It has been rewarding to become a
member of the Western Colony and to
learn more about the important role
my ancestors and the Pilgrims played
in forming our nation.”
They planned to make the crossing
to America in two ships, the Speedwell
and the Mayflower, but they were forced
to return to England part way through
their journey.
“The Speedwell was leaking,” explains
Gailey. “The ships returned to England
and the group reformed with only half of
the original travelers.”
They all boarded the Mayflower in
September 1620 and arrived in the winter
of the same year. The group endured
significant hardships as they struggled to
establish a successful colony at Plymouth.
In time, the colony flourished and led the
way to establishing religious freedom and
creating the foundations of the democracy
A member of the The Western Colony of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in Pennsylvania teaches
children about the rich history of the Pilgrims.
Americans enjoy today, including the
celebration of the first Thanksgiving.
The rich history the Pilgrims have
bestowed on America is exactly why
the General Society of Mayflower
Descendants works to recognize and
celebrate the Pilgrims’ way of life
every year, not just during this year’s
momentous anniversary.
In this celebratory year, however,
several special events are planned
within the organization and for the
public to enjoy.
“We always hold at least three colony
membership meetings,” says Ira Bradford,
the 2020 Publicity Chair for the 400th
anniversary. “They include colony business
along with speakers who can enlighten us
on our heritage or new findings about the
original descendants of the Mayflower.
“In May, the Western Colony hopes
to march in the Memorial Day Parade in
Carnegie. And, in July and September,
we will hold Mayflower events on Mt.
Washington and in Erie. Then, we
conclude in November by participating
in Light-Up Night activities, and a march
in the Celebrate the Season parade in
downtown Pittsburgh.”
Of particular importance to the Western
Colony is when a museum educator
from Plymouth Plantation visits local
area schools to do some interactive
demonstrations about the Pilgrims and
what it was like living in America 400
years ago.
“The kids absolutely love it. They get
to hear the educators speak as they would
have in 1620 and try on clothes similar
to what was worn back then. It’s very
entertaining for them,” says Gailey.
Patricia Hill Grenet has been with the
Western Colony for 40 years and serves as
the colony Governor. She says the Western
Colony prides itself not only on their
heritage, but also on their 200-person-
strong membership. Yet, they are always
happy when new people join.
“There is a process to go through,”
says Grenet. “You have to prove your
lineage, but we can help with that and
it’s so worth it when you realize what
your ancestors endured for a better life.
Freedom of religion, freedom to seek
enlightenment, and the practice of self-
government are just a few things they
could not have imagined for themselves in
their homeland. They were true risk-takers
and worthy of being remembered and
celebrated.”
Bradford feels much the same way.
“It has been rewarding to
become a member of the Western Colony
and to learn more about the important
role my ancestors and the Pilgrims played
in forming our nation,” he says. “The
Pilgrims were true pioneers with a strong
belief in God and the understanding that
individuals should have the freedom to
worship as they wish.”
To learn more about the Western
Colony of the Society of Mayflower
Descendants in Pennsylvania, contact
Dr. Billie Gailey at [email protected]
and visit the group’s Facebook page. n
PENN HILLS
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SPRING 2020
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