The JLFA exists primarily to continue the genealogical research started by Charles Libby in 1879 into
the extended family of John Libby who was born in England in 1602, and came to America around 1636. We
are a not-for-profit organization funded by memberships and by the sales of previously published Libby
Family books and the various publications listed on the General Store page.
We also host the annual John Libby Family Reunion each year in Scarborough, Maine near the original
homestead of John Libby. This website is the latest addition to our efforts to further the pursuit of
knowledge regarding the Libby Family in America. Like the newsletter, the genealogy committee, and the
membership committee; it is driven by volunteerism and fueled by the enthusiasm and contributions of our
members.
Association History
The John Libby Family Association held its first family reunion on September 7, 1904 at Central Park in
Somersworth, New Hampshire under the name of "Sons and Daughters of Benjamin Libby." In a few years, the
name was changed to the one presently used. Except for the World War II years, annual reunions have been
held for the past 100 plus years. In recent years, the reunions have been held in the John Libby Memorial Hall.
Our homestead corporation, disbanded in recent years, contributed $7,500 toward the building fund for
this Memorial Hall. As a result, there is a standing invitation to hold our annual meeting and reunions
there.
A semi-annual (at least) newsletter is published and distributed to all members bringing news into a
member's home of the activities of our association and various Libbys. Contributions of newsworthy
material from the membership are always welcome. We try to include a feature story in each issue which
will be of general interest to all members of the Libby Family. It is through the newsletter that
information of the reunion is disseminated.
The reunion and annual meeting is normally held on the fourth Saturday in September. Of recent years,
the reunion has commenced Friday evening with a catered supper at the John Libby Hall, followed by
social time. The highlight of Saturday is the annual meeting and the catered group luncheon. Families
often gather together Saturday evening at a local restaurant for supper.
Membership Information
Annual Membership
The by-laws of our association state the following about annual membership:
Annual Membership, granted on an individual basis, may be obtained by paying a fee Annually. This
annual fee will be set by the Executive Board of the Association. For this Association 'annual'
means from one Annual Reunion to the next Annual Reunion, and payment is required whether one
attends the Reunions or not.
Currently the annual membership fee is $15. If you have a Red Dot on your newsletter mailing label at
any time, it means your fees are not up to date. The date on your label (eg. ann. to 03) is what our
records show for your fees payments. So if you have been a bit lax submitting your membership fees,
please take the time to do so now.
We have provided a place on the Reunion registration form (see our website) to make it easy for you to
submit your fees. Even if you will not be attending the reunion, please fill out your personal
information and submit your fees.
Your annual fees help to offset mailing expenses, the cost of producing the Libby
Family Newsletter,
board meeting conference calls and reunion expenses.
Remember - the Annual Membership fee and the Reunion Registration fee are two completely separate
things.
You may want to consider upgrading to a Life Membership. With a Life Membership you make only one
payment of $200 and forget about future fees. Also with a Life membership, you will receive a copy of
“The Libby Family in America Volume II,” comprising two books covering the years 1882 to 1982.
Our Genealogical Committee has previously published VOL. II of THE LIBBY FAMILY 1882-1982. Contributions
of information were received from many sources until the number of entities is nearly 6,000. VOL. II is
comprised of two books and is currently available. It sells for $90 plus $9 shipping/handling. Also
copies of the original 'Libby Family in America - 1602-1881', by C T Libby are available at the same
price.
JLFA News
Why Buy a JLFA LifeMembership?
JLFA Life Membership holders do not ever have to worry about paying dues and missing out. They will
always receive the JLFA Newsletter, making them aware of JLFA news and events. Our Association works
hard, voluntarily, to update family genealogies, bring interesting info about the Libby family to you,
manage the Libby store, answer queries, connect cousins and put together fascinating speakers and events
at our annual reunions.
A JLFA Life Membership costs $200.
A JLFA Life Membership comes with Book II, Volumes 1 and 2.
This makes a great gift for any occasion: Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and more.
Black Point Church Needs Our Help!
Sad to say, The First Congregational Church at Black Point needs help. Like most organizations
nowadays, their Membership is dwindling and the cost of maintaining the buildings (especially
John Libby Hall) is increasing. Recently, they had some (expensive) major issues with the heating
and sewerage systems. If they are to continue to exist, and be able to continue to provide us with
the use of John Libby Hall, they need help. As the Church property is former Libby-owned land, &
the JLFA provided a major part of the original funding to build John Libby Hall, & we have since
used the Hall for many years for our Annual Reunions - we have a major interest in helping to
maintain the Hall to ensure its future availability. IF you can help with this: a voluntary
donation (of any size - anything at all will help) would be deeply appreciated by the JLFA and by
the Church. (We are well aware that not everybody is able to help with this. So, please don't feel
pressured to make a donation that you can't afford.)
A check can be mailed to the JLFA:
"JLFA Treasurer - Mark A. Libby"
PO Box 907
Townsend, MA 01469
or directly to the Church:
"First Congregational Church"
167 Black Point Road
Scarborough, ME 04074-9377
Please note the check stating that it's a voluntary donation to help the Church to maintain John Libby Hall
