It’s time (again) to go back in time
Four hundred years ago, the settlers of Plimoth Colony emerged from a winter of sickness, death and fear to embrace the spring sun, plant their crops and otherwise adapt to a new life.
Sound familiar? It’s almost poetic that Plimoth Patuxet (formerly Plimoth Plantation) reopens in April for in-person visits. With a general theme of coming back to life after a challenging winter and setting the groundwork for a better future, the English Settlement and other attractions, like the Mayflower II and Grist Mill, are now open for the season.
And while the majority of the activity will take place outside in open air, the experience should still be captivating, educational and, of course, fun.
“It’s really been great for the staff,” spokeswoman Kate Sheehan said. “We’re excited about offering a little more performance-type experiences.”
The staff, particularly the interpreters, Sheehan added, have been working hard re-imagining how to both present the history, entertain visitors and stay true to the museum’s mission. The village will feature interpreters at work — as they always were — but mostly outside.
Since the site operates as if it were a true 17 thcentury village, you’ll come across folks planting for the spring, fixing buildings and all the sundry things that had to be done that first spring.
You’ll be able to pop in on interactions, too: settlers helping one another cook, plant and build. You’ll see settlers learning from the local Wampanoags as they help guide the settlers to survival.
While indoor spaces are closed for the most part as of now (the museum will adapt as guidelines allow), you will be able to peer inside homes and other buildings.
And while interpreters customarily only wear what would have been worn in the 17 th century, they will be wearing masks as well as microphones so folks can hear them despite distancing rules.
The opening comes after a difficult year for the museum and the town of Plymouth as a whole: They’d put years of planning and a lot of funding behind what would have been Plymouth’s 400th Commemoration in 2020.
While that has passed, there are important anniversaries to honor this year as well, Sheehan said.
First, this is the 400th anniversary of the community’s first spring and first full year here. Second, this fall commemorates the 400th anniversary of that first harvest celebration feast that we now know as Thanksgiving.
That will include — as it has for about 50 years now — the story of the indigenous Wampanoags — not just how they helped the settlers learn to survive, but also how and why they made that land their own for centuries before the colonists arrived.
You’ll find “wetus,” the traditional Wampanoag homes that were “technologically advanced” before anyone knew what that meant. These innovative homes stayed naturally cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The Mayflower II, back in town for good after years of repairs, will be open for socially distanced tours as well. The Grist Mill, located in downtown Plymouth, will be operational as well, and the village’s 100-plus acres will, as always, feature lovely views, lots of open space and plenty of rare-breed animals to learn about.
Sheehan noted that there’s more to learn this year that ties into our nation’s recent times.
“We know that 1621 was a great time of leadership,” she explained. “There was leadership in community building, in diplomacy, in learning how to co-exist with others, and in much more.”
There are some varying hours for things like the grist mill right now. Best bet is to check the website at plimoth.org. There you’ll find ticket prices (the weekend pass is a great deal) and more information about COVID-19 adjustments, Plimoth Cinema (now open again) and more.
Four hundred years ago, Plimoth settlers pulled themselves together after a long and challenging time of darkness to embrace — and build — a new future.
They have much to teach us.