Features
The Massachusetts Ratification Convention
by Gordon Lloyd The Massachusetts Ratifying Convention met in Boston from January 9, 1788 to February 5, 1788 to discuss "the adoption of the federal Constitution." 370 delegates had been elected on October 25, 1787, and when the final vote was taken on February 3, 355 registered their vote. In attendance from the Philadelphia Convention were Caleb Strong, Rufus King, and Nathaniel Gorham. They were joined by Fisher Ames, James Bowdoin, Francis Dana, and Theophilus Parsons in defending and explaining the Constitution. The fourth Philadelphia Convention delegate, Elbridge Gerry—who declined to sign the Constitution on September 17, 1787—was not in attendance. Within the first week of the Convention, however, "a motion was made and passed, that the Hon. Elbridge Gerry be requested to take a[continue reading...] [continue reading...]
Our Purpose
The Massachusetts Society is a historical, educational, and patriotic non-profit corporation (501(c)) that seeks to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of e pluribus unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people.
We do this by perpetuating patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the men who achieved the independence of the American people in the belief that these stories are universal ones of man's eternal struggle against tyranny and will inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions.
We decorate the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots. We support excellence in teaching of American history. We participate in patriotic observances. We support research and preservation of historic material on the men and women who fought or gave service for Independence in the American Revolutionary War. We reward our future leaders - our children - for excellence, achievement and outstanding citizenship.
Our Origins
In 1876 there were many celebrations to commemorate the centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. As part of this patriotic fervor, a group of men in the San Francisco, California, area who were descendants of patriots involved in the American Revolution, formed an organization called the Sons of Revolutionary Sires. Their objective was to have a fraternal and civic society to salute those men and women who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the battle for independence from Great Britain. They desired to keep alive their ancestors' story of patriotism and courage in the belief that it is a universal one of man's struggle against tyranny - a story which would inspire and sustain succeeding generations when they would have to defend and extend our freedoms.
Out of the Sires grew the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, which was organized on April 30, 1889 - the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as our nation's first President. The SAR was conceived as a fraternal and civic society composed of lineal descendants of those that supported the cause of American Independence. The National Society was chartered by an Act of the United States Congress on June 9, 1906.
Leads
Phoenix Welcomes the 122nd Annual National Congress
The Arizona and new Mexico societies invite you to Phoenix for the 122nd annual National Congress, July 7-11, 2012. If you have never been to Arizona or new Mexico, we encourage you to come early (or stay after) and learn about Spain’s contribution to the American revolution. Spain declared war on England June 21, 1779,[continue reading...]
News
The First Ten Years: A Short History Of Mystic Valley Chapter by William Walter Obear Somerville, Massachusetts 1946 This article looks to the history of a former chapter and the spirit of the men who ran it from 1935 into 1950s The First Ten Years: Mystic Valley Chapter, Sons Of The American Revolution December 4, 1935 was the opening date of the organized activities of The
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Special Meeting of Old Essex with the Board of Managers Special guest Keith Vezeau, archivist of the Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives and board member of the Govenor's Humanity Council Please join us at a special state-wide meeting of the Old Essex Chapter with our Board of Managers on Saturday, June 16th, at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. This local gathering is an opportunity
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