From Plymouth Rock to Boston: An Evening with Nathaniel Philbrick
An evening of history, conversation, and community support brought guests together at Plimoth Patuxet to explore the ideas, people, and events that carved a path to the American Revolution. Presented in commemoration of America 250, the program examined the stories that forged a nation while supporting the Museum’s educational mission to preserve, steward, and share them with future generations.
On May 29, supporters of Plimoth Patuxet gathered for From Plymouth Rock to the Battle of Bunker Hill: An Evening with Nathaniel Philbrick, a special event commemorating the approaching 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. As part of our Revolutionary Ideas Started Here offerings, guests explored the people, events, and ideas that shaped one of the nation’s founding stories through an engaging talk by bestselling historian and author, Nathaniel Philbrick. His thoughtful reflections connected Plymouth’s early history to the revolutionary moment that would ultimately transform a collection of colonies into a new nation.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Philbrick for sharing his expertise and insight with our guests, and to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening. Events like these create opportunities to engage with history in meaningful ways while supporting Plimoth Patuxet’s educational mission to tell the complex and enduring stories of the Indigenous and English communities that shaped early America. We are also deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor, Eastern Bank, whose commitment to community and education helped make the evening possible.
Following the lecture and audience discussion, the Host Committee gathered for a special dinner in appreciation of their support of the Museum. During the evening, Plimoth Patuxet recognized longtime trustee, donor, and advocate Ted Hubbard for his many years of dedicated service and generosity. His steadfast commitment has helped advance our educational mission, and members of the Host Committee joined Museum leadership in celebrating his lasting contributions and the meaningful impact of his support and guidance made over the past decade and beyond.
Special thanks are due to our Host Committee for the evening, whose generosity and leadership contributed significantly to the event's success. Their dedication to preserving and sharing history ensures that Plimoth Patuxet Museums can continue to provide immersive and transformative educational experiences for guests of all ages. The proceeds from the evening directly support our programs, collections, educational initiatives, and ongoing efforts to connect the past with the present.
As America 250 continues, the story of Patuxet/Plimoth will sail on next month as Mayflower II journeys to the Commonwealth’s capital to participate in Sail Boston 2026. Just as the ideas discussed during the evening with Mr. Philbrick continue to resonate across generations, our iconic ship that helps tell America’s Hometown story will serve as a powerful reminder of our shared history during this landmark national commemoration. Alongside ships such as the USS Constitution, Pride of Baltimore II, Elissa, and USCGC Eagle, Mayflower II helps illuminate the American story through the maritime world with themes of migration, trade, communication, conflict, and the movement of ideas across oceans and generations.
Photo Gallery
Guests gathered on May 29 for an evening of history, conversation, and support for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Browse highlights from the event below.
With Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and Host Committee members whose generosity and partnership helped bring this evening to life.
Host Committee: Michael Aylward and Deborah Ritter • William and Victoria Babcock • Jonathan and Lisa Bitting • Andra and Steven Bolotin • Heyward Suzanne Boone, Charles Carter Jernigan, and Al William Katz • Catherine Brawer • Steve and Andrea Brodeur • Mary Brown • Steve and Hannah Carlson • Rebecca Duke • Lea Sinclair Filson • Gale and Michael Fitzgerald • Peter and Cece Frame • Laurie Gill and David Pokross • Nancy and Barry Gonder • Robert and Marilyn Graff • Mike and Penny Herlihy • Ted and Cynthia Hubbard • Phil Leddy and Cynthia Letourneau • Ted and Chris Long • Celia and Craig Martin • Lydia and Roger Miles • Mary Mullaney and Kathleen Tarby • Honorable Therese Murray • Bob and Sue Poskitt • Charlotte and Ed Russell • Evan Schulman and Glorianna Davenport • Janet Schwartz, Larry Lenrow, and Rachel Lenrow • Geoffrey and Joyce Stewart • Richard Thaler • David M. Trebing • Robert and Darice Wareham • Barbara V. Weidlich • Steve and Nancy Williams