Annual Meeting 2010
Saturday, August 14  – Details coming soon!

Newsletters via E-Mail
To save a tree or two (and the cost of postage) how about receiving your Descend-O-Gram electronically?  It looks just as good, you can still print it (or parts of it) and you'll help the environment!  Sign up here.   (Available to members only)

First Settlers Membership Workshop held Saturday, October 24, 2009
Once again, the Sons and Daughters and the Newburyport Public Library (Archives) gave a workshop for those interested in joining our society on October 24th. Our President Barbara Rogers and I worked with eight people (some arriving with charts and family books), and all left still interested and enthused. The ancestors represented at the workshop were Thomas Dow, William Hilton, Aquila Chase, Henry Tewksbury, John Emery, and three prospective members working on the Nicholas Noyes line.

2009 Annual Meeting Held Saturday, August 15
For the third year in a row, we gathered for our annual meeting at The Governor's Academy in Byfield.  Thankfully, the Performing Arts Center is air-conditioned!  The annual tradition of projecting historic images included many photographs from the John White Winder collection, courtesy of the Archives of The Governor's Academy.  After breakfast, Vice President Carl Panall welcomed the attendees.

Bethany Groff was the first speaker.  Author of A Brief History of Old Newbury, Bethany is also regional site manager for Historic New England (SPNEA).  She shared with us countless tales of love, vagabonds, and church politics.  "Ming Ming," one of the campus cats, found her way into the auditorium during Bethany's talk, and strolled across stage in a cameo appearance, to the delight and laughter of all.  Our second speaker was Richard Irons who discussed 17th & 18th century fireplaces and cooking.  With a treasure trove of slides showing various methods of chimney construction, and some actual centuries-old bricks, Richard's talk was very well received, and many questions came from the audience throughout his discourse.

The business meeting followed, at which time officers gave their reports, the annual budget was approved, and new officers were elected.  Barbara Rogers was elected President, and new Board members are Susan Gagnon, Lisen Noyes, and Kavy Yesair.  Lunch was then served in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center, and many members traveled over to the Jackman-Willett House for a visit, and even stopped over at The Coffin House, which happened to be open for tours that day.

Another wonderful time was had by all.  Next year's meeting will coincide with the year-long celebration of Newbury's 375th anniversary.

2008 Annual Meeting Held Saturday, August 16
The Governor's Academy was once again the host site for our Annual Meeting as we gathered on a mild 68-degree morning.  A historic slide show interspersed with new members' names played on the big screen in the auditorium as participants gathered in the lobby for breakfast.  Outgoing President Peter Swift delivered the opening remarks, and a moment of silence was held for departed members.

Dr. Emerson W. Baker II was the first speaker, who shared The Devil of Great Island: Witchcraft and Conflict in Early New England.  The town of Great Island, New Hampshire was plagued by mysterious events in 1682, ten years before the Salem witch trials.  The second speaker was Dr. William Boylan, Senior Pastor of Byfield Parish Church, who discussed the influence of Byfield in the founding of our American Republic.

The business meeting followed, at which time officers gave their reports, the annual budget was approved, and new officers were elected.  The role of President was not filled, so new Vice President Carl Panall will act as Commander-in-Chief until a new President is elected.  Lunch was then served in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center, and many members traveled over to the Jackman-Willett House for a visit.

2007 Annual Meeting held August 18th
On a beautiful 60-degree morning, the annual meeting commenced at The Governor's Academy in Byfield.  After a wonderful continental breakfast and remarks from S&D President Peter Swift, all were entertained and informed by Paul Jancewicz who was dressed as Lord Timothy Dexter.  After a coffee break, we reconvened to hear a presentation by Ted Russell on the history of aviation on Plum Island.  A brief business meeting followed, and then a fantastic lunch was served.  Many members traveled on over to the Jackman-Willett House following their meal.  It was a wonderful day, and we thank all who helped make our annual meeting a success.

New Website Launched July 4, 2007
The birthday of our nation's independence was the launch date of our brand-new website. 

Genealogy Workshop A Success!
On Saturday, May 19, 2007, Cecile Pimental and Bob Richard conducted a Genealogical Research Workshop in the Newburyport Archival Center at the Newburyport Public Library.  Fourteen attendees spent hours examining documents and publications in search of their families' past.

The Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury, Mass.

Can't find any navigation links?
Please click here to reload with frames.