News & Events
This article, submitted by Pilgrim Hall Museum, appears in the June 2015 edition of the Mayflower Quarterly, published by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Visitors to Pilgrim Hall Museum have, since the beginning of April, been able to witness a once-in-a-lifetime art conservation project. Thanks to funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other private donors, the largest painting at Pilgrim Hall Museum, Henry Sargent's Landing of the Pilgrims, is currently undergoing a tremendous restoration process. The painting has been the centerpiece of Pilgrim Hall since the building opened in 1824.
The three month project, considered the largest painting restoration project in the South Shore region's history, has an anticipated completion date of June 14. All conservation work is being done on site in the main hall of the museum, offering an opportunity for the public to view every step of the process.
Our GSMD Junior Committee has a new Facebook group! Join the group to keep up with all things related to Junior memberships - activities, scholarships, membership questions, and more.
The Plymouth Historical Alliance (PHA) will partner with General Society of Mayflower Descendants and others to host Pirates Ashore in Plymouth, a free program of Pirate and Pilgrim fun for all ages.
Watch a band of legendary pirates sail into Plymouth Harbor on Saturday, May 16, 2015 to reenact the historic spring of 1646, when a crew of 80 English pirates descended on the quiet Pilgrim town.
Later in the day, visit the Pirate Encampment at the Mayflower Society House, 4 Winslow Street, Plymouth for reenactments of reveling and feasting, musket and pike drills, and swordplay.
Just a few short years from now, 2020 will be upon us, marking the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower and the founding of Plymouth Colony. This is an exciting opportunity for GSMD to commemorate our Pilgrim ancestors and to share their inspirational story with the world!
To organize commemoration events and initiatives, GSMD has created a planning committee at the national level. Many of our 52 member societies are preparing for the 2020 Commemoration as well. Here, you will find everything you need to know about our plans for 2020 and the plans of our member societies, so check back often for updates.
GSMD's first 2020 initiative is to push for the United States Congress to pass an Act directing the US Mint to issue a commemorative coin series recognizing key historical elements surrounding the Mayflower voyage and the establishment of Plymouth colony.
Whether you are a member of GSMD or not, whether you are a Pilgrim descendant or not, we are asking for your help to make this project a reality! This project is for everyone, so keep reading to see how you can help.
George Garmany
Assistant Governor General
Chair, GSMD 2020 Committee
This article by Franklin E smith, appears in the March 2015 edition of the Mayflower Quarterly published by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
The first recorded celebration of the landing of the Pilgrims took place on Tuesday, 29 October 1850, the day California celebrated its admission into the United States becoming the thirty-first state of the Union. There was a parade though San Francisco that began with a thunderous artillery salute by the United States Army. In the square a crowd had assembled to watch the American flag run up the staff which was copied in all parts of the city. Ships from around the world stood offshore dressed up for the occasion. The streets where filled with a joyous multitude as the Military, Fire Department, civic companies, and societies prepared to march.
