Why study Mayflower history?

It may be best said in a press release by the Plimoth Patuxet Museum commemorating the 400 year anniversary of the landing in Plimoth:

“The story we tell about an indigenous-colonial hybrid society that emerged here in the 17th century is the story of the United States’ complex beginnings. It is a story of collaboration and conflict, of understanding and miscommunication. It is a story of diplomacy and subterfuge, of respect and of oppression, of friendship and mistrust. It is a story of ideals and of profound faith. It is a story of growth and change, of triumph and loss, of compassion and cruelty. It is a story of alliances made and broken, of innovations forged of necessity. It is a story of great and inspiring courage in the face of adversity. It is a story of equality and inequality. It is a story of daring greatly, of risking all, of persevering against the odds, of cultural destruction and cultural survival. In short, it is America.”

We encourage you to explore the pages in this section as well as the links in our Resource section to begin your journey in learning.

What was the Mayflower?

Who were the passengers of the Mayflower?

Was Plimoth their intended destination?

Why did they create and sign the document which would become known as the Mayflower Compact and why is it important in the development of American democracy? 

Who are the Native people who live in the area and what was their relationship with the early Europeans?

What was life early colony life like?

How did the colonist and Wampanoag dress?

What did the colonist and Wampanoag eat?

What did the colonist and Wampanoag homes look like?

Please see also our Resource page and come back for more updates