Behind the Greek revival-style façade of the Pilgrim Hall Museum is one of the strongest collections of art and artifacts devoted to the origins of America. Learn the story of America’s founding, told through the objects that represent it best.
Since the museum’s opening in 1824, it has acquired numerous artifacts and has added a book archive to match the impressiveness of its visual treasures. With exhibits including Arms and Armour, Furniture, History Paintings and 17th Century Personal and Household Items, Pilgrim Hall Museum features interesting objects recreating all aspects of early colonial life. Make a special visit to the Patents section, which details some of the fascinating political economics that went into charting the Pilgrims’ settlement.
Inspect the only known remains of a 17th-century ship, the Sparrow Hawk. This former vessel was intended to bring 25 people and supplies from Europe to Virginia. Instead it was shipwrecked at Cape Cod. The Pilgrims, already in trying times themselves, housed and fed the passengers of the Sparrow Hawk for 9 months as they waited for ships to take them to Virginia.
Learn about the Brewster chair. The rather spindly-looking armchairs that many people came to associate with Pilgrim furniture craftsmanship were named after William Brewster. They are now rare and Pilgrim Hall has the special distinction of housing the original “Elder” Brewster chair from which the others were copied.
Book a tour led by one of the museum’s knowledgeable staff members. Set aside time for the informative movie that plays on the downstairs floor. The museum occasionally loans parts of its collections to other museums, so you may want to return at a later date to see anything you miss on your first visit.
Pilgrim Hall Museum is located less than a block away from Plymouth Harbour. If you drive, use the free parking available just behind the museum. Whether you walk or drive, enjoy a leisurely seaside walk along Plymouth Harbour after you’re done at the museum.
