Since Mayflower Member Societies began meeting in 1897 they have featured guest speakers to provide further education and enrichment. Some of the topics covered over the years have spanned from genealogical practices to historical events to DNA research and more.
While guest speakers are still beneficial and enjoyable today, it is important to recognize that there are alternative methods to encourage members to attend and participate in society meetings.
The Mayflower Society’s Education Committee is pleased to offer a variety of new ideas for meetings to help keep members engaged and to attract new members to join.
With the power of technology at our disposal, there are all kinds of new resources to use during a meeting, from PowerPoint presentations to ZOOM speakers to educational videos to virtual games and more!
The ultimate goal here is to challenge members to grow in knowledge, participate socially with each other, and most of all, to have FUN! The Education Committee hopes that making these resources available will help Member Societies bring their future Society Meetings to the next level!
Meeting Ideas:
Activities
Having an activity at a meeting can really help bring members together. Feel free to utilize some of these various Mayflower-themed activities, including: interactive presentations, Mayflower Jeopardy, Pilgrim board games, art projects and more!
Guest Speakers
Have a guest speaker at your next Society Meeting, either live or via Zoom.
Videos
The Mayflower Society has various educational videos posted on our YouTube Channel that could make for a great way to open or close your meeting.
Additionally, the Education Committee has compiled a list of othere Mayflower-related videos here:
Virtual Field Trips
Get together with your member society and take a virtual field trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts by watching one of the “Exploring Plymouth Massachusetts” episodes created by The Mayflower Society.
Reading Materials
Check out the GSMD Suggested Reading List for all books related to the Mayflower. Read these books and share a specific quote/passage on a powerpoint slide to kick off a discussion at your next meeting or even start a book club with your fellow members.
