Nestled along the picturesque shores of Plymouth Harbor in Massachusetts lies Plimoth Plantation, a remarkable living history museum that transports visitors back to the early days of Colonial America. Founded in 1947 by historian Henry Hornblower II, this acclaimed attraction has grown into a sprawling 100-acre complex that immerses guests in the world of the Pilgrims and the Indigenous Wampanoag people.
The Pilgrims‘ Journey
The story of Plimoth Plantation begins with the Pilgrims, a group of English Protestants who sought religious freedom and a better life in the New World. In September 1620, 102 passengers set sail from Plymouth, England aboard the Mayflower, a small merchant ship not originally intended for a transatlantic crossing. The grueling 66-day journey was marked by rough seas, cramped quarters, and outbreaks of disease.
Upon reaching the shores of Cape Cod in November 1620, the Pilgrims faced a harsh New England winter for which they were ill-prepared. According to William Bradford‘s famous journal "Of Plymouth Plantation," half of the Mayflower‘s passengers and crew perished that first winter from cold, malnutrition, and illness. Yet the survivors persevered, eventually establishing the Plymouth Colony along the banks of Town Brook.
An Unlikely Alliance
As the Pilgrims struggled to adapt to their new environment, they forged a crucial alliance with the Wampanoag, the Indigenous people who had lived in the region for over 12,000 years. In March 1621, the two communities negotiated a peace treaty that would last for over 50 years. The Wampanoag shared their knowledge of local crops, hunting, and fishing, teaching the Pilgrims how to survive and thrive in their new home.
Key to this relationship were two remarkable figures: Tisquantum, better known as Squanto, and Ousamequin, also called Massasoit. Squanto, who had been kidnapped and taken to Europe years earlier, spoke English and served as an invaluable interpreter and guide. Massasoit, the great sachem of the Wampanoag Confederacy, signed the peace treaty and fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.
The First Thanksgiving
The alliance between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag is perhaps best remembered through the story of the First Thanksgiving. In the fall of 1621, after a successful harvest, the Pilgrims celebrated with a three-day feast. Massasoit and 90 of his men joined the festivities, contributing five deer to the meal. The exact menu is unknown, but it likely included wild fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash.
While this event is often portrayed as the origin of our modern Thanksgiving holiday, the truth is more complex. The Pilgrims themselves would not have called this harvest celebration the first "Thanksgiving," as they were accustomed to setting aside days of prayer and thanks throughout the year. It wasn‘t until 1789 that President George Washington declared the first national day of Thanksgiving, and it didn‘t become an annual federal holiday until 1870.
Bringing History to Life
Today, Plimoth Plantation brings the world of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag vividly to life through immersive exhibits, hands-on activities, and powerful storytelling. The museum‘s dedicated staff includes historians, archeologists, artisans, and Indigenous interpreters who work tirelessly to provide an authentic and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
The centerpiece of the museum is the 1627 English Village, a meticulous recreation of the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims. The village features timber-framed houses, kitchen gardens, livestock pens, and a fort, all built using traditional methods and materials. As you explore the village, you‘ll encounter "Pilgrims" in period dress going about their daily lives, from cooking and crafting to planting and harvesting. These costumed interpreters speak in the dialect of the 17th century and share compelling stories of their lives and struggles.
Equally important is the Wampanoag Homesite, where modern Indigenous interpreters proudly share their culture and history. Far from a static exhibit, the Homesite is a dynamic expression of a vibrant, living community. You‘ll see traditional mishoons (dugout canoes), a wetuash (house), and a nush wetu (three-sided shelter), all made from natural materials. Interpreters demonstrate ancient skills like making mishoonash, weaving fishing nets, and tanning hides, while discussing the enduring traditions and resilience of the Wampanoag Nation.
Other highlights of Plimoth Plantation include the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the iconic ship, and the Plimoth Grist Mill, a working recreation of the colony‘s first corn grinding mill. At the Craft Center, you can watch artisans practicing rare 17th-century skills like blacksmithing, pottery, and woodworking, using period-appropriate tools and techniques.
Preserving the Past, Enlightening the Present
But Plimoth Plantation is more than just a collection of historical exhibits. It‘s a vital center for research, education, and cultural preservation. The museum‘s archeologists have conducted extensive excavations at both the original Plimoth Colony settlement site and the Wampanoag village of Patuxet, unearthing artifacts and insights that have reshaped our understanding of this pivotal era.
Plimoth Plantation also plays a crucial role in educating the public and challenging long-held myths and misconceptions. Through exhibits like "Historic Patuxet" and "History in a New Light," the museum presents a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, one that acknowledges the complexities and tensions of their relationship as well as their accomplishments and resilience.
For students and teachers, Plimoth Plantation offers a range of educational programs and resources, from field trips and workshops to online learning modules. These programs align with state and national curriculum standards and provide a hands-on, immersive way to explore history, culture, and social studies.
The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, from the annual Harvest Feast in the fall to the Indigenous History Conference in the spring. These events provide unique opportunities to delve deeper into the history and significance of Plimoth Plantation and its surrounding communities.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you‘re a history buff, a curious traveler, or a family looking for an enriching adventure, Plimoth Plantation is a must-see destination. The museum is open daily from mid-March through the end of November, with special events and programs offered throughout the year.
Admission tickets include access to all of the museum‘s exhibits and attractions, including the Mayflower II and the Plimoth Grist Mill. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options, from the Patuxet Cafe, which serves up modern takes on 17th-century fare, to the Plentiful Cafe, which offers a selection of soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.
For those looking to stay overnight, there are a range of accommodation options in the Plymouth area, from cozy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels. Other nearby attractions include the Pilgrim Hall Museum, the National Monument to the Forefathers, and the beautiful beaches and parks of the South Shore.
A Living Legacy
At its core, Plimoth Plantation is a testament to the power of history to educate, inspire, and unite us. By bringing the past to life in such a vivid and engaging way, the museum helps us to better understand the challenges and triumphs of those who came before us and to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that have shaped our nation.
As we look to the future, Plimoth Plantation remains committed to its mission of preserving and sharing these important stories. Through ongoing research, education, and innovation, the museum will continue to provide a window into the world of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag for generations to come.
So come, step back in time, and discover the fascinating history of Plimoth Plantation. You‘ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the courage, resilience, and spirit of these early settlers and the Indigenous people who welcomed them to their shores.
Visitor Information
- Location: 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
- Hours: Open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm from mid-March through late November. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
- Admission: Adult (13+) $35, Child (5-12) $25, Children under 5 FREE. Discounts available for seniors, students, and military.
- Dining: Patuxet Cafe (seasonal), Plentiful Cafe, and Craft Center Snack Bar
- Accessibility: Plimoth Plantation is committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. Wheelchair rentals, ASL interpretation, and other accommodations are available.
- Contact: (508) 746-1622 or visit www.plimoth.org for more information and ticket purchases.
