Whether you can trace your ancestry back to the Mayflower or you are simply interested in exploring a very important place in American history, you may wish to plan a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts. This quaint seaside community is home to Plymouth Rock, the most famous rock in New England and the monument to the Pilgrims’ landing on American shores in 1620.
There is much more to Plymouth than just the Rock, though. It’s been a while since I visited Plymouth with my parents, as part of a family visit to Cape Cod, but I remember that there was a lot to see and do. The place that I remember the most is Plimoth Plantation. Plimoth Plantation is a hands-on exhibition of living history, where you can see what life was like for 17th Century Pilgrim Colonists and Native Wampanoag People.
At the 1627 English Village at Plimoth Plantation, costumed interpreters go about their daily business as you wander through their homes and shops. The “inhabitants” of the village are more than happy to talk with you about what you are doing and may even invite you to get in on the action, pulling weeds in the corn field or stirring a pot of porridge. The Plantation also features a Wampanoag Homesite where you can learn from actual Wampanoag Tribe members how their ancestors lived in the 17th Century. At the Craft Center, watch Native and Colonial artisans create the everyday objects that were part of 17th Century life. On any given day, you may see someone making hand-coiled clay cooking pots, hunting implements, clothing, furniture, or tools.
Another part of Plimoth Plantation is the Mayflower II, which is located on the Plymouth waterfront. When you step on board the Mayflower II, you step back in time to the historic voyage that charted the course for American history. The “passengers” on board the Mayflower II are costumed interpreters that can show you around the ship and tell you what life was like during their incredible journey.
Once you have had your fill of history from Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, and the other numerous museums and historical sites in the area, you can relax on one of the area’s beautiful beaches or enjoy whale watching, fishing, and many other things. Plymouth, Massachusetts has something for everyone and is a great, family friendly place to visit.