The English origins of the Bidwell family in America have yet to be documented. But the stoutest branch on the American family tree starts with John Bidwell (1620-1687) from England, a documented founder of Hartford, CT. His known line of descendants is the subject of Volume 1 of Bidwell Family History, published in 1983 and now out of print. Other Bidwell branches in the US and Canada arrived in North America after John of Hartford. Their lines will be included in Volume 2, which is being compiled for future publication.

The records of the Bidwell Family Association date back to 1899. Branches in New England, California, New York and Wisconsin knew of each other. Most activity remained localized until the early 1970's when a concerted effort was made to document connections. Continued research and phone calls, home visits to study old diaries and family bibles, trips to courthouses, historical societies, and cemeteries built enthusiasm and membership, as well as a growing body of compiled material for a Bidwell book. Annual national reunions began in the mid 1970's. To date the BFA has held reunions coast-to-coast and in Canada and England.

The Bidwell Family Association is open to all Bidwells by birth, marriage, adoption and descent. Dues are $20 annually or $200 for lifetime. For more information, contact the Treasurer.

The BFA newsletter is mailed quarterly to all dues-paying members. It needs your contributions of marriage, births, deaths and anniversaries, special events (career-related, family reunions), profiles of family past and present, and newspaper/magazine articles relating to general family history or genealogy. Contact Faith B. Heath, Secretary & Newsletter Editor with info for the newsletter or to be added to the reunion mailing list.