Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts

TL;DR -- Artillery comes to mind when thinking of the defense of the U.S. The effort to defend the U.S. started early. An organization with "ancient" roots was reorganized in Massachusetts. The modern organization devoted to recognizing the service goes by the name of Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. We will be looking further at their mission.  

--- Theme: 250th, Army, Navy, Marines. 

Effort at protecting what became the US started early. In 1637, a London-based company was restarted here by members who had come over as colonists. 

The organization by the name of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts (A&HAC) was a colonial version of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) of London. The HAC was founded by King Henry VIII in 1537. Artillery in those days consisted of the longbow and equivalent. Gunpowder was still in the future on the islands. 

The HAC is now a Regiment of the Royal Army.  

The A&HAC was formed in 1637 which was during the period of the Great Migration (1620-1640). Many members had belonged to the HAC prior to their leaving for the colonies. There are Hereditary Societies in the U.S. for which descendants of A&HAC members with known lineage can join the "THE OLDEST CHARTERED MILITARY ORGANIZATION". 

Women Descendants A&HAC

Remarks: Modified: 07/15/2025

07/15/2025 -