Preserving a House, Reimagining the Experience: What’s New at the Soule House in the 17th-Century English Village
With support from Americana Corner’s Preserving America Grant, Plimoth Patuxet Museums is revitalizing the Soule House—the oldest reproduction in the 17th-Century English Village, which now serves as the Children’s Discovery Center. Current preservation efforts include a new roof, helping protect this historic space for future generations of curious explorers.
Ideas begin with people. Stories endure when we share them. And history comes alive when generations experience it together.
This year, with the support of Americana Corner through the Preserving America Grant, Plimoth Patuxet Museums began some much-needed work on the Soule House Children’s Discovery Center. The Soule House holds a unique place in Plimoth Patuxet’s story. Originally opened in 1966, it is the oldest reproduction in the 17th-Century English Village. Since 2017, it has been home to the Children’s Discovery Center, welcoming the Museum’s youngest guests into the past through hands-on play.
Who Were George and Mary Soule?
George Soule arrived in Plymouth aboard Mayflower as a servant in the household of Edward Winslow. He later married Mary Bucket, who arrived in Plymouth as a single woman in 1623. Together, they established a home and raised a family of ten children who reached adulthood.
Restoring the House, Reimagining the Experience
To preserve this house and enhance the visitor experience, the Museum is currently undertaking exciting preservation and exhibit updates. The house is receiving a new roof under the guidance of experienced preservation carpenters and Plimoth Patuxet’s historical built landscapes team. Additional preservation work to stabilize the foundation is planned for next year.
To strengthen the interpretive program, dedicated woodworking volunteers are hard at work crafting new, more durable wooden furnishings and games, including jugs, lanterns and nine pins. The preservation work and thoughtful additions like these will ensure the House remains a welcoming and dynamic space for multigenerational learning.
