About the Bidwell Family Association

The Bidwell Family Association (BFA) was incorporated on June 14, 1976, in the State of New York. A non-profit organization dedicated to all things Bidwell, we gather once a year to renew family ties, exchange genealogical information and try to help a local charity.

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. A new updated two-volume book set, published in 2011, is still available. Other Bidwell branches in the US and Canada arrived in North America after John of Hartford.

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.

Statistics

– 200+ active members from 36 states, United Kingdom, and Canada
– As of 2023, there have been 48 reunion events since 1973
– Reunions have been held in 43 cities around the world

Bidwell Family Association Officers

President: Tina Bidwell – New York
1st Vice President: Zebulon Bidwell – California
2nd Vice President: Kevin White – Oklahoma
Corporate Secretary: Barb Lewison – Iowa
Treasurer: John Bidwell, Jr – New York

Board of Directors

Carol Bidwell – Minnesota
Neil Bidwell – New York
Shirley Aravich – Pennsylvania
Amy Bidwell – California
Cindy Bidwell – Iowa
Danielle Bidwell – Iowa
Don Bidwell – Ohio
George Bidwell – Ontario, Canada
Julia Bidwell – Ohio
Larry Bidwell – North Carolina
Pat Bidwell – North Carolina

Truman Bidwell – New York
Ann Cline – Arizona
Linda Jakubowsky – Iowa
Sandra Maslen – New York
Peggy Schrader – California
Kelley Sweet – Washington
Peggy Swerin – Idaho
Pamela West – Maryland
Debbi Wilhelm – Oregon
Ed Wilhelm – California