Plimoth Plantation
Main Street (Route 3A)
Plymouth
508-746-1622

Summary: This re-creation of the original Pilgrims’ village features re-enactors, historians and actors, who each play the role of an actual historical person in the colony. Visitors assume the role of strangers in the village, and interact with the Pilgrims, gaining first-hand experience of life in the settlement in 1627.

A Brief Orientation
Plimoth Plantation has an impressive visitor center designed to handle the crowds who descend on the village each summer and fall. After purchasing your ticket, you will be directed to the auditorium for a 15-minute slide show which gives some background on Native American culture before the arrival of the Pilgrims. On your way to the village, if you have a few minutes to spare, stop in at the Carriage House Crafts Center, where a potter, a basket-maker, a weaver, a joiner (box-maker) and a shoemaker ply their trades in the 17th century tradition.

The main attraction is the village, but there is also Hobbamock’s Homesite (a recreated Wampanoag Indian’s home), the Eel River Nature Walk, and the Nye Barn, where you will find rare breeds of farm animals.

1627 Pilgrim Village
The bustling village consists of a single main street with one cross road and a few animal paths situated on an open hill side. High wood post walls enclose and protect the village from the dangers of the New World. From the top of the hill, where the sturdy fort/meetinghouse is located, you have a beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay. This two-story garrison serves as the gathering point for village events of all sorts, and is fortified with cannons in case of attack.

As you stroll down the street, you are welcome to step into each house, yard and workshop and chat with its occupants, if they are at home. All dwellings are earthen walled with wood siding, and many have thatched roofs. They are similar in style, but the variety in materials, detailing and furnishings reflect differences in prosperity.

The village is populated by re-enactors who each play the part of an actual, known person who lived in the village. They know nothing of the world after 1627, but are happy to share their stories of the difficult passage from England aboard the Mayflower, and explain their home life, occupations, family life and lineage, what they eat, how they socialize, what games the children play and their religious beliefs (or lack thereof, as more than half of the villagers are not religious Pilgrims but folks who came to the New World to start a new life). They are basically prepared to tell all of the details of life in the village. Because they don’t necessarily volunteer information, and don’t have a canned presentation, it is important for the visitor to take the initiative by asking questions, or by just striking up a conversation.

Each home has a vegetable garden at the rear, where you might find villagers tending the crops. Outside the village proper, but still within the palisade, are large pens for livestock, including pigs, cattle and sheep. The men work at chores such as building houses and barns (a barn is currently under construction), tending the fields, and working in the sawmill pit. Women tend the gardens and the children, and sew or knit. Close by is a communal bread oven where the daily loaves were just being pulled out as we stopped by.

Hobbamock’s Homesite
Close by the village is a recreation of the camp of Hobbamock, who served as an ambassador from his tribe, the Wampanoag, who lived in Rhode Island. The Pilgrims considered him a friend and interpreter. At the site, we watched as a raccoon was first skinned for its fur and then roasted for dinner. Then we crawled through low openings into a hut made from woven reeds and branches to listen to some Native American stories and legends. Around us were the small gardens, the fire pit, and huts of the encampment.

This site is interpreted in a more detached, scholarly way, as the researchers on staff learn more about Native American culture during this period. Native American staff members wear clothing of the period, while non-natives wear uniforms. All speak modern English rather than playing a role from the 17th century.

Insider Tips
The main street in the village is a sandy soil, which can become dusty in summer and a bit muddy in spring and fall. Casual clothing and shoes will maximize your enjoyment of the site.

This is one attraction where you must exert considerable effort to draw out the actors to share a bit of their lives. Don’t be bashful -- you will learn so much more if you start up a conversation. Ask questions about everything: the way they dress; how they prepare their meals; how they like new “England”. If you have children, seek out the youngsters, who do an admirable job in maintaining their roles.

There are several gift shops, a snack bar, and a picnic area on the premises. The maps and signs will direct you.

You'll find updated hour and admission fee information at the Plimoth Plantation web site. Note when you plan your trip that if you plan to be in the area for more than a short while, you'll save money by purchasing a combination ticket that allows entry to Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II.

Getting There
From Boston, take Exit 6A (Route 44) off Route 3 south. Follow Route 44 to downtown Plymouth. At Route 3A, turn right, and follow the road about 2 miles to Plimoth Plantation. The Plymouth and Brockton bus lines also offer service to downtown Plymouth and Plimoth Plantation from Boston’s South Station train and bus terminals (call 508-746-0378 for details).

by Judith Otto

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