As the Nation prepares to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are reminded that revolutionary ideas started here in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Plimoth Patuxet, and the stories we share, are central to understanding the roots of our Nation.

The events that took place on these historic shores in the 17^th century created the cultural landscape that coalesced into the United States of America. The experiments in community building that the Wampanoag and English at Plymouth conducted would be remembered 150 years later by those tasked with creating a new republic.

Recently, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.9 million in grants to 61 cultural and tourism projects through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Destination Development Capital (DDC) grant program, which supports projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Plimoth Patuxet is proud to be among the recipients, receiving $200,000 in support of a multi-year initiative for America250 deemed “Revolutionary Ideas Started Here: Preparing for America’s 250^th”.

Massachusetts is a world-class destination thanks to our rich culture and iconic landmarks...many of the destinations we are supporting with these grants are tied to our revolutionary past and will have a critical role to play in our upcoming MA250 celebrations.”
-Governor Maura Healey, Press Release

As part of this project, Plimoth Patuxet is preparing its spaces for the anticipated tourism surge in 2025 and 2026 as historic sites across the Commonwealth, particularly those associated with America’s foundational stories, expect to see a significant increase in visitation. The grant will enable the Museum to update guest facing amenities to support a modern, eco- friendly, comfortable environment.

Additionally, the grant will help fund the replacement of two homes in the 17th-Century English Village exhibit—the Alden and Winslow Homes. These two homes represent the living spaces of two different families who not only shaped the creation of Plymouth Colony, but whose descendants played significant roles in the American Revolution and early Republic.

Recent analysis identified the need to replace the Alden and Winslow houses. The houses were constructed in the 1980s using early 17th-century methods where posts are placed directly in-ground. Although historically accurate, this method has proven deeply susceptible to rot. Climate changes have resulted in increased instances of aggressive rainfall in Plymouth, causing more rapid degradation of these wooden structures. Learning from this, the Museum will utilize solid footings and mix modern masonry techniques to create homes that preserve historical integrity but will last exponentially longer.

This generous grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism in support of preparing for America 250 will help the Museum to enhance the stories that it shares, the spaces where thought-stirring conversations unfold, and the exploration of how the past impacts our future as we mark this important anniversary in our Nation's history.