BFNA Official Website - 501(c)3 non-profit, Blaisdell Papers publisher. Blaisdell,
The Blaisdell Family National Association
Your support helps us research and preserve our family's genealogical and cultural history for our family.
BFNA Belongs To Our Members
Your Family's HiStory is Important!
Help keep the Blaisdell Papers alive! The BFNA invites you to share your family's significant events (births, graduations, marriages, passings, histories, memories) to ensure this vital resource continues for generations. Submit your story to the BFNA Webmaster today!
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BFNA's Founding History
The BLAISDELL FAMILY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (BFNA) was organized on August 15, 1935, to represent the descendants of Ralf Bleasdale - who was born in Hawkshead, England, 1593, sailed on The Angel Gabriel, and was shipwrecked at Pemaquid Point, ME. on August 14, 1635. At least 37 spellings of Bleasdale have since evolved, the most relevant being Blaisdell, Blasdell, and Blasdel. Other variations include Bleasdell and Blasdale.
The Blaisdell Papers, published regularly since 1935, is the fifth oldest family publication in the U.S. It documents the genealogy, vital statistics, current and past activities of the descendants of Ralf Bleasdale. Published biannually in June and December, the Blaisdell Papers accompanies membership in the BFNA. Dues for basic membership are $25 a year, payable in advance. Gift memberships are $20 each. A DVD containing publications of the Blaisdell Papers (1935-2010) may be purchased for $15.
The BFNA has recorded genealogical and historical data on computerized files since 1935. Over 88,666 Blaisdell descendants are documented in the lineage-linked Personal Ancestry File (PAF) accessed by the BFNA Genealogist. Notes are maintained with information relating to biographical sketches, obituaries, vocations, military service (including Revolutionary War service notes), education, affiliations, census data and other sources of information.
BFNA members are encouraged to review, verify, and send current family information to the BFNA Genealogist and the Vital Statics Editor to update and maintain accurate records.
Annual or biennial reunions are held regionally in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
National reunions are held every five years, alternating between regional locations and Pemaquid, Maine (where Ralf Bleasdale landed in 1635). Recent reunions have taken place in Amarillo, TX, in 1990; Portland, ME, in 1995; Greensburg & Guilford, IN, in 2000; South Portland, ME, in 2005; Mt. Vernon, IL, in 2010, York ME in 2015, and River Falls, WI 2021 (Rescheduled from 2020).
The BFNA cooperates with other historical and maritime groups interested in recovering and raising The Angel Gabriel. Periodic updates appear in the Blaisdell Papers. We are also cooperating with the Maine Historical Society to preserve Blaisdell items.
BFNA Regional Reunions
BFNA Updates
BFNA Donations
Free Family Group Sheet
2025 Grand Reunion
Thank you for your donations!
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to this most important project, the restoration of the Pemaquid Point plaque commemorating the arrival of Ralph Blaisdell and his family. Because of your donations we've surpassed our goal of raising $2,000 for the restoration of the Pemaquid Point plaque.
The restoration is complete, and the plaque will be unveiled during the 2025 BFNA National Reunion to be held in Maine. See the BFNA Grand Reunion page for details.
We still have several projects that can use your help! To give to those projects see the BFNA Store.
2025 Grand Reunion
Free Family Group Sheet
2025 Grand Reunion
Our reunion has been set for July 17, 2025, to July 20, 2025!
We've begun planning for the 2025 National Reunion to be held in Maine from 17 July 2025 to July 20, 2025, details other than the reunion will be held in Maine are not available yet.
We'll keep you informed as more details become available.
Free Family Group Sheet
Free Family Group Sheet
Free Family Group Sheet
Download a free BFNA Family Group Sheet and start interviewing family members to build your family's genealogy!
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