Bassetlaw in North Nottinghamshire and neighbouring districts pride themselves as being the intellectual birthplace of the United States of America in that this is where the Separatists from the Church of England, who became the leaders of the Pilgrim Fathers, were born and came together in the years prior to1607. 3 of the first 4 signatories to the Mayflower Compact came from this area This document is considered the earliest example of democracy in New England in the United States and the forerunner of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The aims of the Association, as set out in the Constitution are:

1. To bring together and promote the heritage of the local Separatists who became leading Pilgrim Fathers.

2. To increase awareness of the heritage of the Separatists and the Pilgrim Fathers both in local communities and internationally, particularly in the United States.

3. To work with others to engage local communities in this heritage.

4. To work with others to increase visitors to the area and ensure that they receive all the information, services and support that they require to make their stay memorable and enjoyable.

In recognition of the period that the Separatists spent in Holland before setting out to cross the Atlantic the Association maintains a special relationship with the American Pilgrim Museum in Leiden and its Director, Dr. Jeremy Bangs.

The Management Group of the Association meets every other month to initiate, co-ordinate and organise community activities and improve visitor amenities. The first Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on 12th July 2007 where the Chairman's Review and financial statement showed that significant progress in meeting the objectives had been achieved.

The Association is an independent, not for profit, community organisation. It relies on grants and donations to achieve its objectives.

The Association also aims to bring together all who are interested in the original Separatists and the Pilgrim Fathers. This website contains links to a large number of organisations that have such an an interest. If you represent an organisation that should be, but is not, listed please email the address of your website, with a request for inclusion, to the website manager.

The Association would also welcome contact with any member of the Mayflower Society who is a descendent of the Pilgrim Fathers and is now resident in the United Kingdom. Please send your contact details and details from whom you are descended to the Chair of the Association