Occupations » Societies & Groups

Australian Society of the Lacemakers of Calais

The ASLC was formed in 1982 when a small group of people came to the realisation that they shared a common interest in a special group of English machine lacemakers. The Lacemakers in whom they shared an interest were principally those originally from Nottingham and who were involved in two mass migrations in the space of little more than a decade.The Lacemakers' first migration was to escape the poverty, unemployment, misery, disease and discomfort of overcrowded industrial Nottingham. Their migration was to the shores of France - especially to Calais - where their skills as lace artisans were initially treasured and where their employment and well-being seemed assured. During the 1848 Revolution in France, the political and social upheaval left most of them jobless again. Their future in France seemed uncertain. Most decided that making a fresh life in a new land was preferable to returning to England where it was likely they would remain destitute and a burden on their Parishes. Their second migration was to various parts of Australia. The Lacemaker emigrants of particular interest to members of ASLC sailed to Australian ports in one of three sailing vessels, viz. the 'Fairlie' (destination Sydney), the 'Harpley' (destination Adelaide) and the 'Agincourt' (destination also Sydney). These three vessels carried the bulk of the Lacemaker emigrants. Other Lacemaker emigrants came in smaller groups on other vessels including the Canton, Castle Eden, Emperor, General Hewitt, Bermondsy, Walmer Castle, Charlotte Jane, Steadfast, Andromachie, Baboo, Harbinger, Navarino and Nelson. Descendants of these lacemakers are also valued members of ASLC.

Descendants of Whaling Masters

To encourage members to save and preserve their whaling records and artifacts, to educate and raise public awareness of the history of whaling and the contemporary issues of whale preservation and ocean conservancy, and to enjoy a camaraderie and sharing of common interests.

Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783

The Guild is a national hereditary society which is dedicated to honoring Colonial ancestors who were skilled artisans and tradesmen in the American Colonies between the dates of the founding of Jamestowne, 13 May 1607, to the Treaty of Paris, 03 September 1783. Membership is extended to men and women, 18 years of age or older, who can prove lineal descent. Artisans and Tradesmen are defined as those accomplished in the field of art and those who crafted or traded items or were part of select Royal Guilds previously established in the old world which continued practices in the American Colonies. The online Guild's Dictionary of Arts and Trades is an extensive listing of Colonial trades and their definitions.

National Inventors Hall of Fame

In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® honors the legacies of visionary U.S. patent holders.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society

United Kingdom.

Sons and Daughters of the Colonial and Antebellum Bench and Bar

Sons and Daughters of the Colonial and Antebellum Bench and Bar 1565

The Flagon and Trencher: Descendants of Colonial Tavern Keepers

The Long Riders' Guild

International association of equestrian explorers including a large repository of equestrian travel knowledge in human history.