- This category contains profiles of members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. A complete list of early members can be found in Roll of Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company (Boston, Massachusetts, 1893). Available online @ HathiTrust. Descendants of members of the Company who joined before 1738 may become members by right of descent.
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts represents the oldest chartered military organization in North America, having been established in 1637 as a citizen militia company. By 1638, this organization received its charter from Governor Winthrop. Initially named The Military Company of Massachusetts, it adopted the title Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1737. The primary mission of the Company was to train young gentlemen officers for service within the various militias of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Over time, the mission of the Company has undergone significant evolution. With the establishment of the National Guard and the federalization of officer training in the early twentieth century, the Company has entered a new phase in its historical trajectory. Consequently, its mission has transitioned to a supportive role that aims to preserve the historic and patriotic traditions of the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the United States of America.
For more information, see the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.