Hi All - I must add my two cents here. It's a good thing you do, Ruth -- not only for you, but for future generations. My own story is rather interesting - I'm a 55 yr. old waitress, raised three children, divorced and got into genealogy at the passing of my mother five years ago. After my whole life of not knowing if there were any relatives on her side - when asked she was very vague -- turns out I have about a bazillion "cousins" in Nova Scotia and four Mayflower connections thru them!!! Imagine my surprise and delight!!! I'm unable to join the Mayflower Society just now, but am working on it. And about the word Society -- while there's been posted many informed definitions -- and Thank you - a prevailing "connation" among many of us of "society" is "high, snooty or snobby" -- as in the Vanderbilt, Astor, Rockefeller times. It's not a slur - please don't take it as such from this writer. I'm glad to see everything on this list from all the so much more well informed contributors. I consider this list one of my "courses " in higher education while I try to help folks have a good dinner experience! Love this list -- Terri