The Arms of First Families of Massachusetts

Seal concept designed by Chad Krouse, 2024.

As a proud member of the Hereditary Order of First Families of Massachusetts (HOFFMA), I recently had inspiration to see if I could create fresh renderings for the Order's use as those in print are rather dated.

My qualifying ancestor, Stukeley Westcott (1592-1677), was apparently quite the character since he was tossed out of Massachusetts only to become one of the first settlers to establish the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.  He was a 2-for-1 as I am a member of both First Families of Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island.  Interestingly enough, Westcott was also an early member of the First Baptist Church in America.  

Coat of arms of First Families of Massachusetts.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

History lesson aside, HOFFMA was organized in 1985 under the leadership of the late Dr. Roswell Levi Atwood of Massachusetts.  Dr. Atwood also designed HOFFMA's coat of arms around that same time, blazoned: "Barry wavy of six Azure and Argent on a chief of the second a cross Gules charged with a lion passant guardant Or of England."

Atwood goes so far as devise supporters blazoned: "on each side a griffin per fess Gules and Argent wings elevated, beaked, eared and tufted Or, armed Gules, and displaying above the shield a pillar Or; tassels pendant Gules."  This is pretty much all I'm going to cover on the supporters as they really don't interest me.

After becoming a member in 2015, I really wanted our coat of arms, well, to be simpler?  Thankfully, Atwood avoiding any temptation to run with a quartered coat!  So I've taken up the challenge in rendering a few design assets for HOFFMA with the hopes of their usefulness.  

Banner of arms, First Families of Massachusetts.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

The annual directory sent to members notes that the flag of the Order--also an Atwood design--was apparently lost following the death of his son.  The flag, "reflects the Order's emblem on a field of white with gold trim."

After reading this I immediately saw the forthcoming banner of arms as rendered above.  I am planning to have the flag physically at 3ft x 5ft.  Not quite like Atwood's flag, perhaps cooler?

Medal for members of First Families of Massachusetts.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Now the Order's medal for members is rather slick and was quite fun to recreate digitally.  I actually need to order a miniature medal and excited to wear on formal occasions.  

I have at least one other hereditary society coat of arms to present and more to come soon.