Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts |
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| Active | March 13, 1638—present |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  Massachusetts |
| Type | Volunteer militia company |
| Role | Honor guard State militia |
| Garrison/HQ | Faneuil Hall Boston, Massachusetts |
| Nickname(s) | "Grand Old Company" |
| Motto(s) | Facta Non Verba ("Deeds Not Words") |
| Website | http://www.ahac.us.com |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief | Governor of Massachusetts |
| Captain Commanding | Maj. Michael Fish |
| Insignia | |
| Coat of Arms |  |
| Abbreviation | AHAC |
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is a very old military group in North America. It is the oldest one that has a special written permission, called a charter. It's also the third oldest such group in the entire world!
This company is a volunteer militia from Massachusetts. This means its members volunteer their time. It is not part of the regular United States Armed Forces. However, many of its members have served in the military or are currently serving.
The company received its charter in March 1638. This was from the government of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Governor John Winthrop signed the document. The company's first job was to train officers for local militia groups across Massachusetts.
Over time, the U.S. military became more professional. Groups like the National Guard of the United States were created. So, the company's main job changed. It now helps keep the history and patriotic traditions of Boston and the nation alive.
Today, the company acts as an Honor Guard for the Governor of Massachusetts. The Governor is also its Commander-in-Chief. Massachusetts state law still recognizes it as a military unit.
The company's main office is on the fourth floor of Faneuil Hall in Boston. This building holds their armory, a library, offices, and a military museum. You can visit the museum for free!
Contents
A Look Back: The Company's History
When the first settlements grew in America, there was no organized army. People relied on local volunteer groups for protection. These groups often didn't work together well. In England, there was no standing army either. Instead, local militias protected the country. All healthy men aged 16 to 60 had to serve if needed.
This idea of local militias came to the new American colonies. Many settlers in Boston had been part of a similar group in London, England. It was called the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). They wanted to create a similar group in their new home.
So, in 1637, they formed a citizen militia. Its goal was to teach military skills and tactics. Robert Keayne and many other first members had been part of the London HAC.
Governor Winthrop officially gave the company its charter on March 13, 1638. Soon after, in June, they held their first election for officers. This took place on Boston Common. The company was first called "The Military Company of Massachusetts." People started calling it "The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company" in 1737.
One of the first members was Nicholas Upsall. He later left to join the Quakers. Since then, the company has continued its tradition. They hold their annual elections on Boston Common every first Monday in June. Members cast their votes on a drum head!
Being a member of this company has long been a special honor. It was similar to how joining certain regiments was special for important families in England. The London HAC and the Massachusetts company still recognize their shared history.
Since 1746, the company's home has been Faneuil Hall. Inside their armory, they have a military museum. It's free to visit and has items from every war the U.S. has fought. The armory is open to the public every day.
Before 1913, this company was like a school for officers in the Massachusetts Militia. It helped train many leaders. In 1913, Massachusetts created a formal training school for officers. This school is now called the 101st Regiment — Regional Training Institute.
The company still celebrates its officer election every year. This event is called the "June Day Parade." The parade goes from Faneuil Hall to Boston Common. It includes the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, the Massachusetts National Guard, and other historic military groups. Sometimes, members of the London Honourable Artillery Company even join in!
Who Can Join: Membership in the Company
In the past, members of the company usually came from well-known families in Boston. In recent years, people from outside Massachusetts can also join. It's common for high-ranking officers in the Massachusetts National Guard to be members.
You don't have to have served in the military to join. However, about one-third of the current members (as of 2014) have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Most of these members were officers.
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Before the late 1900s, almost all members were Anglo-American. But now, the company has welcomed a more diverse group of people.
Most people who join become "Regular Members." After being a member for a certain time, they become "Life Members."
Some people can join if their ancestors were members before 1738. These are "Members by Right of Descent." They pay less for membership. However, they cannot vote or hold office in the company. If they live in New England, they become full members and pay regular fees. Very rarely, special people are given honorary membership.
Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company have served in many important conflicts. These include King Philip's War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts like the Iraq War and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ten members of the company have received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award in the United States. Four members have also become President of the United States. These were Presidents James Monroe, Chester A. Arthur, Calvin Coolidge, and John F. Kennedy. Even some kings and princes from other countries have been honorary members!
In 2012, the company made a big change. They voted to allow women to join for the first time. Lieutenant Colonel Catherine M. Corkery and Colonel Christine Hoffmann were the first women inducted. Both were officers in the Massachusetts National Guard.
Famous Members of the Company
Many important people have been part of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
Presidents of the United States
- Lieutenant Colonel James Monroe
- Chester A. Arthur
- Calvin Coolidge
- Lieutenant John F. Kennedy
Vice President of the United States
- Brigadier General Charles G. Dawes
Medal of Honor Recipients
- Colonel Harvey C. Barnum, USMC
- Captain George L. Street III, USN
- Captain Thomas Hudner, USN
- Captain Thomas G. Kelley, USN
- Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts, USA
- Sergeant Charles A. MacGillivary, USA
Governors of Massachusetts
- Major General Nathaniel Banks
- Calvin Coolidge
- Edward Everett
- John D. Long
Other Public Officials
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- Captain Edward Johnson - A founding member and "Father of Woburn, Massachusetts"
- Major General Benjamin Lincoln – The first U.S. Secretary of War
- Major General George B. McClellan – A Civil War general
See also
In Spanish: Antigua y Honorable Compañía de Artillería de Massachusetts para niños
- Massachusetts Naval Militia
- Massachusetts State Defense Force
- Massachusetts Wing Civil Air Patrol
- National Lancers
- First Corps of Cadets (Massachusetts)
