The Francis Wyman Association (FWA) was established in 1899 when several Wyman descendants learned that Joshua Reed, the last owner of the Wyman Homestead, had died and the house had fallen into disrepair.
Led by Benjamin Wyman from Lancaster, MA, the FWA bought the house from Joshua Reed’s estate, and set out to “acquire and preserve relics and records of the family of Francis Wyman, and the ancient Wyman Homestead in the town of Burlington”.
Over time the Association modernized the house so it could accommodate caretaker families.
This was the situation until 1996 when the house was nearly destroyed by a fire. Thereafter, the house was restored and now serves as a museum.
Executive Committee
The current Executive Committee of the Francis Wyman Association is comprised of the following members:
| Position | Member | |
|---|---|---|
| President | Jon Wyman | jon@wymanassociation.org |
| First Vice President | Jonell Kenagy | jonell@wymanassociation.org |
| Treasurer | Pam Meppelink | pam@wymanassociation.org |
| Secretary | Rebecca Lofgren | rebecca@wymanassociation.org |
| Historian | Caroline Miller | caroline@wymanassociation.org |
| Community Outreach | Pam Meppelink | pam@wymanassociation.org |
| Newsletter Editor | Jon Wyman | jon@wymanassociation.org |
| Vice President | John Kenagy, M.D. | |
| Vice President | James Richardson | |
| Vice President | John Wyman | |
| Vice President | William Chamberlain | |
| Vice President | Fritz Clifford |
Constitution
The Constitution of the Francis Wyman Association, adopted in 1900, is presented below. Click each item heading to reveal the detail for that item.
I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Francis Wyman Association.
II. Purpose
The object of the Association shall be to collect and preserve historical facts relating to the family of Francis Wyman, of West Mill, England, the father of the emigrants Francis and John Wyman, and also to acquire and care for such historical property relating to the family of said Francis Wyman as the association may approve.
III. Activities
The Association will hold meetings, raise funds, and publish and circulate appropriate information for the objects set forth in this Constitution.
IV. Members
Each member shall be approved by the executive committee and shall pay five dollars at the time of admission, for which a certificate of membership shall be issued.
V. Officers
There shall be a President, to be elected by the association at a regular meeting, who shall perform the usual and prescribed duties of that office. He shall be, ex officio, a member of all committees, with a casting vote only, and he may call special meetings of the Executive Committee, hereinafter referred to, whenever he thinks it necessary, and shall, upon the request of three members of the Executive Committee, call special meetings of the Executive Committee or of the Association
There shall be not less than six Vice-Presidents, to be elected by the Association.
There shall be a Treasurer and Secretary, who shall perform the usual and prescribed duties of such officers. They shall be respectively appointed by the executive committee, and may be removed by them.
There shall be an Executive Committee of seven members, to be elected by the Association. Subject to these articles, the Executive Committee shall manage the affairs of the Association, direct and dispose of its funds, and from time to time make and modify by-laws for the Association and for its own action. The Executive Committee shall keep a record of its proceedings, and shall make a report to the Association at its regular meetings. No appropriation of money by the Executive Committee, beyond the amount in the hands of the Treasurer at the time, shall bind any member of the Association, excepting those members of the Executive Committee who shall vote for it. Vacancies in the Executive Committee may be filled by the President for the remainder of the term; other vacancies may be filled by the Executive Committee.
VI. Meetings
Regular meetings of the Association shall be called by the Executive Committee at least as often as once in every three years.
VII. Elections
All Officers of the Association shall be elected at each regular meeting of the Association and each Officer shall continue to hold office until his successor has been elected and is ready to enter upon the duties of the office.
VIII. Amendments
All provisions of this Constitution, except those relating to the rights of members, regular meetings, and the term of Officers, may be suspended or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the Executive Committee.
Due notice shall be given of all meetings of the Association. Any member of the Association may propose Amendments to the Constitution, which may be adopted at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, by a vote of two-thirds of the members then present, provided such proposed Amendment shall have been stated in the notice of the meeting.
History
Mission & Vision
The Francis Wyman Association was established in 1899 with the mission to serve as an association of Wyman descendants, responsible for restoring and maintaining the Francis Wyman Homestead in Burlington, Massachusetts as a public educational resource and as a historic landmark. The Francis Wyman House is generally held to be the oldest surviving landmark in Burlington and is listed (1975) on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Francis Wyman Association envisions a future where the historic Wyman Homestead stands not only as a preserved symbol of early American life, but also as a dynamic center for education, community engagement, and historical exploration. Through careful stewardship, we aim to honor the legacy of the Wyman family and share the significance of our colonial heritage with present and future generations.
History of the Wymans in America and
the Wyman Homestead in Burlington, MA.
56 Francis Wyman Road
Burlington, MA 01803
info@wymanassociation.org