History
The Honourable Artillery Company was incorporated in London, England, in 1537. Kings of England were included among its members from the time of its organization. Members who came to the New World formed a Company in Boston, Massachusetts, a century later in 1637.
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company is the oldest military organization in the New World. Its headquarters is at Faneuil Hall in Boston. Also, it was the first military company to carry the Flag of the United States of America into Buckingham Palace in London.
The National Society, Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company was instituted in January 1927; the first Court organized was that of Missouri and it is known as the "Mother Court". After the organization of the Court in Massachusetts, that court became known as the "home" of the Artillery Company. There are Courts today in all sections of the Country.
In 1951, Queen Elizabeth II became an honorary member of the National Society, Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, shortly before her accession to the throne.
Objects of the Society
The object of this Society shall be to aid in perpetuating and honoring the memory of the Military Company of Massachusetts, afterward known as the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, who fought for the protection of the American Colonies and who died in establishing their independence.
To commemorate the organization of the Company in 1637, the granting to them their Charter on March 17, 1638, their first meeting under the Charter the first Monday in June, 1638, and also to foster and keep alive the spirit of patriotism.
To incite a higher patriotism, a purer citizenship, an unswerving loyalty to our country, to support and defend The Constitution of the United States of America in times of peace and war, and to foster a close fraternity among our members.
Its purpose shall be Educational; to aid in the study of historical, genealogical and biographical research.