Celebrating 400 years of The Pilgrim Fathers
CHANCE TO RELIVE HISTORY AS IMMINGHAM MUSEUM REOPENS
THE historic ceremony to mark the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers setting off to America from Immingham had to be mothballed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A grand lantern parade was due to be held through the streets of the town.
But now there is a chance to relive the history at the re-opening of Immingham’s museum.
After a long period of closure the museum, next to the Civic Centre, has now reopened.
It is estimated more than 25 million Americans are directly descended from the early settlers, who initially set sail from Immingham and met up with fellow believers in Holland.
Immingham Town Council and local arts organisation Our Big Picture staged a spectacular lantern parade in 2019 to start a year-long celebration of the historic link with the United States.
The culmination was due to be parade which was cancelled due to the lockdown.
Trustee, Councillor Stewart Swinburn said: “It was a shame that circumstances over ruled what was planned to mark the 400th anniversary. But people can still come and see and learn how the role Immingham played in the founding of the United States.
“We are also hosting an exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of The Royal British Legion. There is a lot to learn from the exhibitions, now we
are back up and running.
“There is a vast amount of information and displays showing the importance of the railways and the docks.
“We have had the time while the museum was closed to make alterations and ensure it is safe for everyone. there is a new air flow system.”
A spectacular model railway exhibition shows the importance of the the railways to the docks which were able to thrive once the railway links were established.
The docks were opened in 1906 when the railways were needed for transporting cargo to the rest of the UK. The museum hours of opening are now Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 1pm until 4pm. Donations are accepted at admission, though entry is free.