Ruins of the city of Jamestown
from John Gilmary Shea's The Story of a Great Nation

Company History

The First North Carolina Company was organized December 1986. After much planning and working with the Jamestowne Society's Chairman of New Companies since the preceding spring, a little group of 10 members of the national Jamestowne Society and four guests -- mostly spouses -- met in Raleigh for the first time. That small group came together from various sections of North Carolina, and the membership of the Company has remained statewide since the beginning. Two of the four original guests have become members, and the remaining two are working to find that sometimes elusive Jamestowne ancestor. These guests remain on our roll today as potential members. They have been tremendous help over the years, and we appreciate all they have done for the First North Carolina Company.

The First North Carolina Company is governed by a Company Council, consisting of: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Chaplain, Attorney General, Financial Adviser, Governor Emeritus, and four Council members. Gloria Sue Reed Hendry, our Founding Governor, and Michael Mathis, Founding Lieutenant Governor, are lifetime honorary members. An appointed Historian also serves the Company.