Welcome to the Piscataqua Pioneers! We are a unique historical and genealogical society that celebrates our connections to the original settlers of the Piscataqua River watershed who settled here before 1776.

This was a fascinating time in the development of our new land, filled with hearty people looking for a new life in the new world. We are proud to be descendants of this group. Together we share the related stories and artifacts handed down in our families, learn about their lives and the happenings of that time, and we also look for ways to preserve our heritage for future generations. We meet each summer to enact business, visit with each other, and learn more about this rich history. In addition, we take on projects like replacing cemetery markers, adding to our collection of papers held in the Lamson Collection at Dimond Library on the UNH Campus in Durham, NH, and take on other such projects as opportunities arise. 

If you are curious about becoming a member, take a look at our map  and determine if you have ancestors from here prior to 1776. See Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME, these were two of our principal settlements at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Also, look at the seaside communities of New Castle, Rye and Hampton, NH and of York, ME. Then follow the Piscataqua River up to Dover, NH and look next by the Great Works and Salmon Falls Rivers to Berwick, ME. Research and learn how valuable the Great Bay area was in the settlements of Newington, Greenland, Newmarket and Durham, even to Stratham and Exeter, NH. This was the home of our ancestors. Were your ancestors in this group? If so, consider applying and becoming a member to enrich your life and renew your roots.

Notice that we have a registrar to assist you in becoming a member of our society. We also have a preliminary application form on our website to expedite the matter of becoming a member.

If you are looking for sources to help you learn more about your Piscataqua ancestors, we recommend that you read the Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire; Rambles in Portsmouth; Old Kittery and Her Families; or the History of Hampton, NH, for example. You may also want to purchase our wonderful volume, Piscataqua Pioneers: Selected Biographies of Early Settlers in Northern New England, Portsmouth, NH. These are among the many sources that give insights into the early Piscataqua Pioneers.