October 2026
Society Merchandise Is Here
The Society's online shop is open — boat tote, coffee mug, the 2026 Christmas ornament, and heritage T-shirts.
Read More →Welcome to the Pilgrim Edward Doty Society
Edward Doty was a passenger on the Mayflower and a signer of the Mayflower Compact. He was one of the original settlers of Plymouth Colony and an originator of the American Dream.
Homepage photos: Plymouth Harbor, Plymouth Bay, and Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts — photos by Desarae Veit, 2017
Welcome to the Pilgrim Edward Doty Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the history and legacy of Pilgrim Edward Doty, a passenger aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring your Mayflower heritage, or simply interested in America's colonial past, we're glad you're here.
Photography was not invented until the 1820s and 1830s, meaning it is historically impossible for photographs to exist of Edward Doty, who lived from roughly 1600 to 1655, or his immediate children, who were born between 1636 and 1653.
Who We Are
Our Society is dedicated to telling the story of Edward and his wife, Faith (Clark) Doty, and the story of the Doty Family in America. We are a family society, not a lineage society. You do not need to prove that you are a descendant of Edward Doty to join us.
Read Our Full Story →Who Was Edward Doty?
Edward Doty was one of the 102 passengers who sailed aboard the Mayflower in 1620, a signer of the Mayflower Compact, and one of the original settlers of Plymouth Colony. Along with his wife, Faith (Clark) Doty, he established a family whose descendants now number in the hundreds of thousands. The Pilgrim Edward Doty Society preserves their story while helping others discover and celebrate their own connection to this remarkable chapter of American history.
The Mayflower Compact, 1620
Signed aboard the Mayflower at Cape Cod, November 11, 1620
In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc.
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.
Edward Doty was one of the 41 men who signed the Compact.
Research the Doty Family Story
Family Trees
Explore searchable Doty family trees going back to Edward and Faith.
Learn more →DNA Project
Learn about the Doty–Doughty DNA Project and how to contribute.
Learn more →Historical Records
Browse original documents, records, and markers.
Learn more →Newsletter Archives
Read past issues of our quarterly newsletter.
Learn more →Latest News
View all news →September 2026
Triennial Meeting 2026: The Society Gathers in Plymouth
Our first Society meeting since 2017 was held September 11–13, 2026, in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Read More →Society Blog
News on the Blog
Every Society announcement is also posted to the Society blog.
Visit the Blog →Ready to Join the Doty Family Story?
Membership is open to everyone—you do not need to prove your lineage or even be a descendant of Edward Doty to join. Whether you're a descendant, a genealogist, or simply interested in Mayflower history, you'll find a welcoming community of members who share your interest in preserving the legacy of Edward Doty and his descendants.
Compare Membership Options
Free Membership
- Access to the Society Facebook group
- Newsletter excerpts only — not the full newsletter
- Invited to events but pays full price
- Not included: Access to our extensive Doty family tree
- Not included: Guidance from our knowledgeable Society Historian
- Not included: Full Society newsletters and publications
Paid Membership
- Access to our extensive Doty family tree
- Guidance from our knowledgeable Society Historian
- Society newsletters and publications
- Educational programs and research opportunities
- Meetings, fellowship, and special events
- The opportunity to help preserve the history and legacy of Edward Doty for future generations
Lifetime Membership
$150 — pay one time
- Everything in Paid Membership, for life
- Printed membership certificate available for $3 extra
Junior Membership
Discounted dues until age 18.
RegisterWe invite you to explore our website, discover our research resources, learn about upcoming events, and become part of the continuing story of Edward Doty and his descendants.
Register NowWhat Does It Mean to Be a Doty?
The Doty name traces back to Edward Doty, a Mayflower passenger and one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact in 1620. Over four centuries, his descendants have carried the name — and its many spelling variations, including Doten and Doughty — across the country and around the world.
Learn About the Surname →