Every year on Thanksgiving Day thousands flock to the museums at Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to share in celebration of the first Thanksgiving.

While Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II are popular destinations for people on vacations anytime of the year, during the holiday period they attract the most visitors.

To many of these visitors there’s no other place in America where you can get the same sense of bond with the meaning of the day - Where you can sit down with members of the Pilgrim Village, and eat a hearty Thanksgiving dinner and discover what really happened at the 1621 celebration.

The museums put on special exhibits and dinners for the enjoyment of all ages during the holiday time, and they include…

Traditional Harvest Dinners - November 5, 12, 19, 20, 23, 25 & 26

Join Plimoth Plantation in the year 1627 for an evening of dining, entertainment and hospitality with the residents of the Pilgrim Village. Sit down to a “groaning board” filled with finest food that this harvest season has to offer. Discover the table manners that traveled across the Atlantic with the “Pilgrims.” Reservations required, call: 508-746-1622 ext. 8364.

Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving Day

Join the many visitors who explore the sites at the Plantation, and the special exhibit “Thanksgiving: Memory, Myth and Meaning,” which explains all about the nation’s favorite holiday. In addition you can find a Thanksgiving Dinner to suit and any budget and appetite. For more information call 508-746-1622 ext. 8366.

Friday, November 25, Noon

A special “Eat Like A Pilgrim” dinner, where you can dig in and eat with your fingers! Just like the English Colonists did in 17th century Plymouth. Themed dining experience includes Turkey, pompion (pumpkin), sweet Indian corn pudding, cheese bread and cider are all on the menu for this post-Thanksgiving feast. Advanced reservations required call 508-746-1622 ext. 8366.

Dinner and general admission $35.95 adults, and $25.75 for children under 12.

Mayflower II Everyday through November 27 - Provisioning a Ship

A brand new exhibit at the Mayflower II museum location. Everyone knows the worst part of going on a trip is knowing what to pack. Imagine figuring out what you would need to begin your new life across the ocean.

The journey across the Atlantic might take from two to four months, requiring a great deal of organization. Good advance planning for food, drink, and cooking fuel could take some of the discomfort out of the generally unpleasant, sometimes miserable and dangerous, voyage.

Discover how the organizers of colonies like Plymouth knew what kind of provisions were necessary, and how much to bring.

For more information on other exhibits at these museums visit my Plimoth Plantation or Mayflower II destination pages at the main web site.

Have a great weekend,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
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