Genealogists can benefit greatly from planning out a trip to a location that is relevant to their genealogy research. It is also great to travel to historic places, and learn more about them. This year, why not travel to Plymouth, Massachusetts? This can be done in reality, or virtually.
In 1620, the Pilgrims landed at a place that came to be known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. This is where the First Thanksgiving was held. Today, genealogists can travel to the historic Plymouth Harbor Waterfront to explore a showcase of authentic Americana, which will be attended by Pilgrims, Native Americans, and patriots. Enjoy the parade, check out some of the music, and take in the history.
Travel genealogy can be expensive, but has become popular. Genealogists can learn a lot by taking a trip and visiting locations that are historic, or that were important to their ancestors. If your ancestors came over on the Mayflower, or if you are descended from someone who belonged to a Native American tribe, then Plymouth, Massachusetts might hold special significance for you.
One of the most interesting things to explore is a ship called the Mayflower II. It is a full scale reproduction of the original Mayflower. The replica was build in Devon, England, and crossed the Atlantic in 1957.
Visitors can board this ship, and get a first hand look at the hold, the Master’s Cabin, the sailors accommodations, and the small quarters of the ship’s passengers. There will be role players in period costume on board, who can tell you about their lives.
Those of you who are unable to make travel plans to Massachusetts right now can do a virtual visit, instead. Plimoth Plantation is an interactive historical website that is connected with the Smithsonian. The website is accessible from March through November every year. It is possible to plan a real trip to the Plimoth Plantation through the Plimoth Plantation website.
Visitors to this website can take a virtual field trip back in time. Watch a video of what life was like for people who lived in the Plimoth Plantation, or take a tour of a Pilgrim Village or Wampanoag Homesite. The videos are between sixteen minutes and thirty minutes long.
Kids can check out a Thanksgiving Interactive that is presented like a detective story. What really happened at the First Thanksgiving? Find out! In order to do this, your computer must have Adobe Flash Player, Internet Explorer 8, or Firefox 3. This is a good way to get young family members interested in learning the history behind the Thanksgiving holiday.
Image by Smart Destinations on Flickr