MINOT – Judith Ann Elfring, Maine Society of Mayflower Descendants historian, spoke at the Aug. 12 meeting of the Minot Historical Society.

She spoke on the origin of the Mayflower Society and the many branch societies across the country. The Maine society was formed in 1901 and has about 1,256 members.

There were 102 passengers and about 30 crew members on the Mayflower, which left Plymouth, England, on Sept. 6, 1620, sighted land on Nov. 9, 1620, and landed in Plymouth, Mass., on Nov. 11, 1620.

Elfring told of the procedure needed to become a member of the society and offered to help anyone who needed assistance proving they were a descendant.

She also spoke of the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, Mass., which is within walking distance of Plymouth Rock. Elfring noted that the monument of the Pilgrim forefathers was carved in Hallowell of Maine granite.

In other business, members were asked to support the food sale, which was held for the benefit of a child with cancer. The program committee will show a film on “Jackass Annie,” produced by Kevin Shane, at the Nov. 11 meeting. Work is to continue on the William Ladd Homestead site on Sept. 13.

A member turned over to the Archives Committee a copy of the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the Constitution.

The Minot Historical Society will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the West Minot Grange Hall with a 6 p.m. potluck supper. The program will be on the “Story of a Historical Person.”