The Embarkation of the Pilgrims (1857) by artist Robert Walter Weir shows a group of English travelers aboard the Speedwell about to depart for the New World in company with Mayflower. What do you see in this image? Perhaps the figures whose names you know from history, such as William Brewster (holding the Bible) or Governor John Carver (kneeling), who is credited with writing the Mayflower Compact. Others might notice the rainbow on the left, a symbol of hope, peace, and prosperity. Some might be particularly interested in the clothing of the period. Me? I can’t help but zero in on the boltrope and rope cringles on the sail that is being used as an awning. That’s a pretty new looking sail, and I am impressed with the detail the artist included in the stitchwork. Whatever your particular interest, there is something for everyone in the story of the Mayflower crossing and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony (or rather, Plimoth). What is not part of this artist’s depiction is the story of the Wampanoag, whom the Pilgrims would encounter when they arrived. Their experience was neglected for centuries in the stories about the Pilgrims, and today it is an integral part of what is included and interpreted at Plimoth Plantation, the living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This scene was painted by the artist in 1857, but the Pilgrims landed on what-is-now Massachusetts 400 years ago this year. Plimoth Plantation is leading the way in organizing commemorations and celebrations this spring. The museum is joined by groups all around Massachusetts and across the Atlantic in Plymouth, England, and the Netherlands as well. Of particular interest to Sea History readers will be the return to sea of the Mayflower II, just re-launched this fall after a three-year full restoration at Mystic Seaport Museum. Here are a number of signature events this spring you won’t want to miss, and be sure to check the websites listed below for updates and additional programming. Events for summer and fall 2020 will be posted in the summer issue of Sea History and on the NMHS website at www.seahistory.org/Mayflower2020. For events in the UK and Holland, visit www.mayflow-
p.d. via brooklyn museum
Mayflower Sails 2020—Commemorations for the 400th Anniversary
er400uk.org. You will also find information and details on Plimoth Plantation museum’s website at www.plimoth.org and the international organizing group at www.plymouth400inc.org. —Deirdre O’Regan
Events—Spring 2020 Plymouth 400 Opening Ceremony, 24 April at Memorial Hall and grounds in Plymouth, MA. The opening ceremony will be a cross-cultural spectacle of historical content, visual and performing arts, special guest speakers and more. (83 Court Street, Plymouth, MA; Ph. 774 283-6082; www.memorialhall.com)
Mayflower II Homecoming in Plymouth! On Thursday, 21 May, just before Memorial Day weekend, Mayflower II will arrive back in Plymouth after a three-year absence while she was being restored at Mystic Seaport Museum. Once the ship is secured to her dock at the State Pier, her crew will ready the ship for public visitation, which begins on 23 May. Homecoming weekend activities are planned through Memorial Day, 25 May 2020. Maritime Salute in Plymouth Harbor, 27–28 June. A regatta of wooden ships, official vessels, work boats, native mishoons, and pleasure craft will culminate in a traditional New England lobster dinner at the waterfront. Mayflower II will be a centerpiece of this event. (www.plymouth400inc.org)
courtesy plimoth plantation
Mayflower Sails 2020: Maritime Festival Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Landing. This is a signature event that will take place 14–19 May at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. Mayflower II will sail into Boston Harbor, where she will be met by USS Constitution, and the two ships will sail in company towards the Navy Yard. It will be the first time these vessels will have ever sailed together. Onshore will be native, colonial, and maritime programming provided by Plimoth Plantation, the USS Constitution Museum, and the National Park Service. When the Mayflower and Constitution are back at the dock, the ships will be open for public tours. The event is free but you’ll need a reservation for Mayflower tours. You can reserve your spot at www.mayflowersails2020.com.
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