Plimoth Plantation, located at 137 Warren Ave., is an educational living history museum dedicated to 17th century Plimoth Colony. The museum includes four major sites: The Wampanoag Homesite, the 1627 English Village and the Crafts Center, all at the main campus; and the
Mayflower IIon the Plymouth waterfront. Plimoth Plantation and
Mayflower IIare open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Nov. 30.
The Plantation is a private, nonprofit educational institution supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, function sales, revenue from the various dining programs and services, museum shops and Plimoth Cinema. It is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Federal Institute of Museums and Library Services, The National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporations and local businesses.
Plimoth Plantation tickets are good for two consecutive days of visitation, and children age 5 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit www.plimoth.org or call 508-746-1622.
Just in time for the election season, a timely, new political exhibit opened Aug. 15 in the Shelby Cullom Davis galleries at Plimoth Plantation and explores political leadership of the 17th century as it relates to today. “Chosen to Lead” is a new exhibit that turns a typical, modern-day voting booth into a virtual time machine. All Plimoth Plantation visitors can participate and cast their votes, now through the end of the season.
Guests to the new exhibit are invited to explore the roles of tribal and colonial leadership in the 17th century, while being presented with the views of actual, yet anonymous, historic figures who actually lived in Plimoth Colony and the surrounding Native communities. As part of the exhibit experience, visitors of all ages are afforded the opportunity to actually cast their vote for leadership, based solely on the candidates’ specific views on a variety of issues. Surprisingly, guests will find many of the political issues of 17th century Plimoth are still relevant and applicable today, making the election results that much more compelling.
A short journey past the voting booth exposes the similarities and differences between Wampanoag and English colonial governance, including how the respective governments were structured and who was allowed to vote.
Interactive and fun, yet topical and interesting, “Chosen to Lead” offers a critical examination of governance from both the Wampanoag and Colonial English perspectives, including such themes as requirements for leadership and symbols of authority. Further along, visitors learn a brief history of 17th century Wampanoag/English interactions showing how these two societies navigated through the difficulties of conflict and cooperation. At the conclusion of the exhibit, the historical identity of each candidate is finally revealed and visitors learn the identity of the candidates they voted for. A weekly tally of the election results will be posted in the exhibit on a monitor, bringing the experience full circle.
Raising rare breed animals is a very important part of the work at Plimoth Plantation. During a visit to the museum guest will see Kerry and Milking Devon cattle, Arapawa and San Clemente goats, Wiltshire sheep and Dorking chickens, just to name a few. Symbolic adoptions are a great way to learn about some of the amazing and imperiled animals that live right in Plymouth. This year, the museum is pleased to introduce three of its rare breed animals for symbolic “adoption.” When you “adopt” a Devon cow, Arapawa goat or other animal, your tax-deductible contribution will help support the work at the museum. Although the animals may have many adoptive parents, they must remain in their homes at the museum. However, as “family” you’ll always play an important role in their lives. To learn more call 508-746-1622, ext. 8222.
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One man’s work, photographing one place for one entire year. Plymouth Beach is part of the breathtaking panorama seen from Plimoth Plantation. Few visitors know that this beautiful shoreline plays a crucial role in a complex and ancient system of migration for more than 20,000 shorebirds traveling from the tip of South America to the Arctic tundra annually. Eighty-five striking images by nature photographer Jim Fenton provide a close-up of coastal water bird life to reveal their beauty and behavior. The exhibit was developed in partnership with the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, Goldenrod Foundation and Massachusetts Audubon Society, and produced with generous financial support from the Bobolink Foundation, Goldenrod Foundation, Sheehan Family Foundation and others.
Shows daily at 4:30 p.m.
Plimoth Cinema showcases the best current independent and foreign films on a daily basis. In addition to standard movie fare, including candy, popcorn and hot dogs, Plimoth Cinema offers eclectic food offerings on Saturday nights, as well as wine, beer and specialty coffee. Visitors to Plimoth Plantation receive reduced admission ($6.50) with a valid museum receipt. Visit the site www.plimoth.org for details of current show.
Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower
Sundays, 9:30 a.m., through October
Sit back, relax and enjoy an exciting and suspenseful feature film in the new, state-of-the-art theater. Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., guests to the museum will be invited to view The History Channel’s film: Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower. This film sheds new light on the shared, but popularly misunderstood, history of the Native Wampanoag and English colonists of 1620 Plymouth Colony. Using historically accurate dramatizations, this production was shot on location at Plimoth Plantation with the assistance of members of the Wampanoag community and the museum staff. Working as consultants on the film, the museum provided interviews, actors and an authentic backdrop for this epic tale. The running time for this film is 2 hours and 17 minutes. Visitors are invited to stay for all or part of the film.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. through Nov. 22
Wake up with Plimoth Plantation’s rare breed animals including Kerry and Milking Devon cows, San Clemente and Arapawa goats and kids, Wiltshire sheep, and Red Dorking chickens. This program is a great opportunity for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes looks at the care and training of the exhibit animals and agriculture in the 1627 village. Participants will learn modern and historical farming practices by helping with the morning chores along side the museum’s farm staff. When the chores are done, participants will enjoy a simple breakfast. Space is limited to 15 participants. To register, contact Kathy Roncarati at 508-746-1622, ext. 8114 or kroncarati@plimoth.org. Members: adult $14, children (6-12) $7. Non-members: adult $20; children (6-12) $10.
Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 10-25, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Board Mayflower II and experience the transformation from a historic landmark to a haunted pirate ship, with ghostly pirates willing to share their pirate’s booty. Don’t miss this fright-night with a family-friendly twist. Members: adults $6; children (under 12): $4. Non-members: adults $8; children (under 12) $6.
Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 23, 26, 28 and 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Experience a tasty bit of America’s past at this evening of entertainment and hospitality with the residents of the English Village. Sit down to a “groaning board” filled with the finest food that this season has to offer. Discover the table manners that traveled across the Atlantic with the “Pilgrims,” (remember not to wipe your mouth with the tablecloth) and find out about what really happened at the harvest celebration of 1621. During dinner, you will be entertained with psalms and songs and perhaps you will be convinced to join in singing a round or two.
Member: $41.95, child (6-12): $31.95, non-member: $60.95, child: $43.95. Prices include museum admission and tax. Reservations required. Call 508-746-1622, ext. 8353.
Saturday, Oct. 25, noon
Join food historian Kathleen Curtin and curator Karin Goldstein to explore what archaeology has taught us about food and eating. Enjoy a special 17th-century menu featuring colonial English food. Member $15.95, child $9.95; non-member $34, child $20. Prices include museum admission and tax. Reservations required by Oct. 17. Call 508-746-1622, ext. 8353.
Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
Movie, Looking Skyward: A Passion for Hawk Watchers hosted Shawn Carey Hawk. Watchers are a different breed of birders, gathering in large numbers on mountaintops and rocky outcrops to observe the annual migration. Looking Skyward examines this tribal community and their fascination with birds of prey. Included are video footage of a wide range of raptors in flight provided by Don Crockett, exploration of some of the prime locations for viewing in the Northeast, as well as interviews with Pete Dunne, Bill Clark, Laurie Goodrich and others. Shawn Carey is a photographer and a co-founder of Migration Productions. Shawn is also the president of the Eastern Massachusetts Hawkwatch. No reservation needed. Members: $6.50. Non-members: $8.50.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
According to the English calendar, it was the autumn 1621. For the Wampanoag, it was Keepunumuk, the time of the harvest. In a small colony on the edge of the sea, more than 90 Wampanoag men shared food with 52 colonists. Over two hundred years later, this three-day celebration would be called the “First Thanksgiving” and an American myth would be born.
The Education Department invites you to take part in a lively full-day workshop exploring the events of 1621. The workshop features visits to the museum’s living history sites, hands-on activities, presentations by museum staff, working groups using primary sources and, best of all, a meal of period Wampanoag and English foods. Plimoth Plantation is a certified Massachusetts Professional Development Provider and its programs are aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This workshop is suitable for teachers of all grade levels. Participants will be awarded 10 Professional Development Points. Members: $100; non-members: $150. For information or to register, call 508-746-1622, ext. 8359; or e-mail programservices@plimoth.org.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m.
Join forces with Colonial Foodways expert Kathleen Wall and learn how the English colonists prepared and ate their corn. A representative from the Wampanoag Indigenous Program is scheduled to talk about the importance of corn in Wampanoag culture and how it was prepared, used, and eaten. Not offered as an individual session. Contact Kathy Roncarati with questions at 508-746-1622, ext. 8114.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join staff in the courtyard for a seasonal selection of dishes featured in Plimoth Plantation’s cookbook Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving Recipes and History from Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie. Reservations not required. Museum admission required.
Sunday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov. 13, 2-4 p.m., Crafts Center
Nov. 13 is National Indian Pudding Day. Plimoth Plantation is the perfect place to try this regional favorite and learn how to make it on your own. In the 1627 English Village, you can see a range of puddings being made and learn all about the history of pudding. From 2 to 4 p.m. you can learn how to make (and sample) the classic New England Indian Pudding from food historian Kathleen Curtin. Free with admission.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., museum shops and members’ lounge
Membership has its privileges at Plimoth Plantation. Just in time for the holidays, all members receive a 25 percent discount at the museum shops. Cookbook author Kathleen Curtin will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to personalize copies of Giving Thanks. Complimentary gift wrap and refreshments in the members lounge. Not a member? Call 508-746-1622, ext. 8213, and become one today.
Monday, Nov. 24 to Friday, Nov. 28
Celebrate the quintessential Thanksgiving experience at Plimoth Plantation. Be among the thousands who make the annual pilgrimage to the museum to share in the holiday spirit. Visitors will explore the Plantation’s multiple sites, which include the Wampanoag Homesite, the 1627 English Village, the Crafts Center and Mayflower II. In addition, a variety of Thanksgiving dinners are offered to suit your budget and individual holiday needs, but keep in mind, dining reservations fill up quickly. Tickets include admission and go on sale to members May 20 and to the general public June 1. For more information call 508-746-1622, ext. 8366.
Thursday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.
From Cape Cod cranberry sauce to tender roasted native turkey, from savory stuffing to sweet pies, this Thanksgiving Day buffet has it all. Member: $45.95, child (6-12) $30.95; non-member: $64.95, child $42.95. Prices include museum admission and tax. Reservations required. Call 508-746-1622, ext. 8353.
Thursday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Just walk in and enjoy a delicious and traditional Thanksgiving meal including roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, Cape Cod cranberry sauce and your choice of coffee or soda. $17.99 per person. Reservations not required, museum admission required.
Friday, Nov. 28, 1 p.m.
Celebrate the quintessential American Holiday at the Victorian Thanksgiving dinner. Victorian hosts will take you back to the mid-19th century to experience a delightfully familiar holiday feast. Enjoy the sweet harmonies of period singers and remember your Thanksgiving experience with a souvenir program. Enjoy an unforgettable taste of the good old days. Member $66.95, child (6-12) $51.95; non-member: $85.95, child: $63.95. Prices include museum admission and tax. Reservations required. Call 508-746-1622, ext. 8353.
For this meal, visitors are encouraged to leave their forks behind and learn the 17th-century table manners that came to Plimoth Colony with the Pilgrims. They eat with their fingers and taste a truly New England menu, including turkey, pompion, sweet Indian corn pudding, cheese, bread and cider. Tickets are $38.95 for adults and $28.95 for children under 12 (Members: $21.95 and $18.95 respectively) and include two-consecutive day museum admission. Reservations are required.
The living history sites close for the 2008 season. Visit www plimoth.org for winter program updates.
Dec. 1-23, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to noon
The visitor center shops are open in December for holiday gift shopping. Plimoth Plantation is the perfect place to purchase beautiful, creative, well-made, and inspired gifts, many made in New England. Whimsical toys and traditional games, unique jewelry (from silver to sea glass, wampum to birch bark), Byers Choice and Jim Shore, gifts and accessories for the home, tasty gourmet foods and a great selection of books for all ages. The original work of Wampanoag and other Eastern Woodlands artists and craftspeople is featured in the Native shop. Complimentary holiday refreshments daily.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1:30-3:30 pm, Horticulture Center
Bob Hoxie and Lori Danek of the Horticulture Department will teach you the process of making evergreen wreaths. All materials will be provided. Hoxie and Danek will help you create a beautiful wreath to take home. Member $40, non-member $55. Reservations required by Dec. 1. Call 508-746-1622, ext. 8213.
