Goddard Historical and Genealogical Society Collection

The Goddard Association of America began in 1977 with 19 families (28 persons) for the preservation and publishing of Goddard and Goddard-related families’ history. The organization published Goddard Book, volumes I and II as well as The Goddard Newsletter (1977-2013). The organization gathered information related to the Goddards back to the immigrant and then continuing as far back as possible. Members submitted “Ancestral Records” showing their direct Goddard lineage and tracing back to the immigrant ancestor when possible. The society became an interchange of genealogical data as well as a repository for the history of the Goddard families who came mainly from North Wiltshire, England. Other families came from France, Germany, Ireland, and Wales. Many of the families immigrated to Colonial America settling in New England and Virginia and then spreading out throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to publications, the society held meetings referred to as the Goddard Association Convocation or the Goddard Gathering throughout the country. Over the years, the society collected books, compiled family histories, published genealogical pamphlets, and audio tapes. Later the organization became known as the Goddard Historical and Genealogical Society. After the society closed, the materials were kept in a storage facility. The organization donated their society holdings to the Midwest Genealogy Center in 2019.