John Farmer (June 12, 1789 – August 13, 1838) was an American historian and genealogist, born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
[3] Before Farmer's efforts, tracing one's genealogy was seen as an attempt by American colonists to secure a measure of social standing, an aim that was counter to the new republic's egalitarian, future-oriented ethos (as outlined in the Constitution).
[4] As Fourth of July celebrations commemorating the Founding Fathers and the heroes of the Revolutionary War became increasingly popular, however, the pursuit of "antiquarianism", which focused on local history, became increasingly acceptable as a way to honor the achievements of early Americans.
[6] Farmer capitalized on the increasing acceptability of antiquarianism to frame genealogy within the early republic's ideological framework of pride in one's American ancestors.
The society is one of New England's oldest and most prominent organizations dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of public records and private monuments that would otherwise have decayed and been forgotten.