From the time the General Society of Mayflower Descendants was founded in 1897, the same year the present structure was completed at the top of Leyden Street, families of descendants – our families – have made regular pilgrimages to this spot. In fact, our Mayflower descendants have helped to furnish this structure with Tiffany stained-glass windows from the New York and New Jersey Societies, objects in the sanctuary from the Fuller Society, as well as many other contributions through the years.
On Sunday, December 9th, 2018 the representatives of the First Parish Meetinghouse resigned from the Trust established to negotiate the transfer during an emotional service, thoughtfully titled “Forward Through the Ages” and led by Rev. Arthur Lavoie.
The morning started with a warm welcome from Rev. Art, who introduced Woullard Lett, the Acting Regional Lead for the New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Members of the congregation shared a brief history of Meetinghouses to grace this hallowed spot since 1620, and warm, powerful remarks were made by Jan Blanchard – Chair of the Friends of First Parish Meetinghouse.
Future Plans: The Mayflower Society Education Center
The Mayflower Society will bring new life to Plymouth’s Town Square at the Mayflower Meetinghouse with an immersive and multi-media museum experience. The Meetinghouse will become a vessel that pours knowledge into all its visitors as it tells the important Mayflower story. The building itself is part of the story, with beautiful stained-glass windows that tell stories of the Pilgrims as they settled on this very location.
The sanctuary will become part of the story as it envelops visitors in a 360-degree experience. Then, an innovative and compelling group of interactive exhibits downstairs will assist in telling the story in a more personal way.
A gift shop will offer museum quality items for sale and a new entry annex will entertain as guests make their way into the building.
Support the Meetinghouse
The current structure was funded back in 1896 by donations from across America, and The Mayflower Society would like to repeat this practice as it raises money to leave a legacy to America’s family, the Mayflower Pilgrims. Please consider a donation to help The Mayflower Society tell this important story for generations to come.
Meetinghouse Tours
The Trust has completed the exterior restoration to preserve the Meetinghouse and is now working on the interior. When possible, private tours of the sanctuary will be provided.
Contact Cheryl Soares at (508) 746-3188 ext.25 for up-to-date details on scheduling a group.