Plimoth Patuxet Museums: The Quintessential New England Experience
Millions of people have made their way to Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Massachusetts over the last 75 plus years to engage with the living history museum's exhibits, activities, demonstrations and performances.
To learn more about why the destination continues to attract groups of all kinds, Groups Today sat down with Janet Young, Group Sales Manager for Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
Groups Today: Talk about what makes Plimoth Patuxet Museums a must-see destination for groups!
Janet Young: For more than 75 years, Plimoth Patuxet has been visited by millions of people from all over the world for what we often call The Quintessential New England Experience. We welcome them here to learn from the Museum's exhibits that enrich the mind, delight the senses and touch the heart. Our key exhibits include the Historic Patuxet Homesite, 17th-Century English Village, Mayflower II and Plimoth Grist Mill.
At Plimoth Patuxet, our guests find their reflections in the past and discover new facets of themselves and the communities they're a part of through history. The research we do and the stories we share bring many complexities to light. Listening to Indigenous and European perspectives and histories gives us a deeper understanding of today's multicultural America and the contributions of our ancestors—Indigenous and immigrant alike. The events that occurred in the 17th century, along these historic shores of change, had and continue to have a profound impact. That's why, each year, lifelong learners from many places come to Plimoth Patuxet Museums to experience history in a new light—together!
GT: What are some ways groups can make the most of their experience?
JY: Plimoth Patuxet is a wonderful destination for groups to explore, discover, learn and be inspired. We illuminate the past to inspire the future. This is a living history museum that brings history to life through our exhibits. Admission includes an orientation in our theaters and there are indoor galleries that delve into special themes. Throughout the experience, guests encounter attentive, knowledgeable staff and engage in a full roster of thought-stirring conversations, demonstrations, and performances.
Whether your group finds itself sitting by the fire in a nuhshwetu (traditional Wampanoag bark-covered house) in conversation with culture-keepers about regional Indigenous history and lifeways, or stepping aboard the decks of the iconic Mayflower II, or seeing live farm animals, groups will find something for everyone. Customized guided or self-guided tours are available, as well as a variety of other amenities that we offer to our groups.
GT: What types of activities can groups enjoy while visiting?
JY: Throughout all of Plimoth Patuxet's exhibits, activities and opportunities to explore and engage abound! Groups can interact with Museum educators, role players, and other staff who provide hands-on demonstrations, presentations, performances and much more. We also offer themed dining experiences for groups, inspired by historic recipes and regional foodways. The Museum features a wonderful café and several shops that offer a wide range of items ranging from 17th-century reproductions to books, children's toys, jewelry and gourmet food.
GT: What else should we know?
JY: Plimoth Patuxet facilitates a lifetime of learning for all people. It's a place where visitors can learn about community, conflict, faith, self-government, gratitude and themes that are as relevant to our lives today as they were 400 years ago.
Learn more by visiting Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
Edited by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
Photos Courtesy of Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
