Leyden
Since 1769 Americans have rallied to commemorate the landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims and their efforts to build a society of civil and religious freedom under God. Special celebrations were held in 1820, 1853, 1889, 1920 and 1970. The 400th quadricentennial celebration of 2020 is expected to draw diverse groups of regional and international participant organizations, each making a unique contribution to this commemorative celebration.
Regional and National Organizations
In Plymouth, organizations have been preparing for this once in a century event which has historically drawn religious, political, and cultural leaders to America’s hometown. The official organization for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the town of Plymouth is Plymouth 400. They intend to highlight “the cultural contributions and American traditions that began with the interaction of the Wampanoag and English peoples,” and are planning “Signature Events and Programs honoring this historic Anniversary – America’s story of exploration, innovation, self-governance, religious expression, and thanksgiving…”
Make sure to follow them at Plymouth400Inc.org.
Also playing a prominent role will be The Mayflower Society or General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Founded in 1878, with its national headquarters on the campus of the historic Mayflower Society House in downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts, this organization interacts with thousands of the more than 35 million Mayflower descendants.
Follow their work at TheMayflowerSociety.org.
Babworth, England
The quadricentennial is an international time of remembrance and thanksgiving. Around the world cities and organizations are dedicating resources for special events, tours, and commemorative activities. The Leyden Preservation Group intends to work in conjunction with diverse groups from European nations including England and the Netherlands and to welcome foreign dignitaries to Plymouth at our headquarters at Plot #1. We also intend to bring 400th celebrants back to the original sites and locations in Europe which are part of the Pilgrim story.
Founded at the time of the 350th, the Plymouth Rock Foundation maintains a mission to “make more widely known and understood the Pilgrim principles and characteristics - their devotion to God and the Bible, to freedom and to tolerance, and their embodiment of courage, brotherhood, and individual moral character.”
Follow them at Plymrock.org.
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the oldest chartered military organization in the western hemisphere. Its charter was granted in March 1638 by the Great and General Court of Massachusetts Bay and signed by Puritan Governor John Winthrop. The Company was given a charter by the Great and General Court as a volunteer militia company that would train on a regular basis to increase the readiness and military skills of the members. Its inherent mission was to prepare its members to serve as officers in the enrolled militia companies. The Ancients participate in numerous memorial and charitable activities throughout the year and will play a significant role during the 400th celebration.
Follow them at AHAC.us.com.
Amsterdam
International Organizations
The quadricentennial is an international time of remembrance and thanksgiving. Around the world cities and organizations are dedicating resources for special events, tours and commemorative activities. The Leyden Preservation Group intends to work in conjunction with diverse groups from European nations including England and the Netherlands, and to welcome foreign dignitaries to Plymouth at our headquarters at Plot #1. We also intend to bring 400th celebrants back to the original sites and locations in Europe which are part of the Pilgrim story.
Two related international organizations taking the lead in the quadricentennial celebration are mayflower400leiden.com and mayflower400uk.org, both created to align “11 core destinations in England with wider local, national and international partners and over 20 million US citizens descended from the Mayflower. It will deliver a world-class series of events, public art and wider content that will commemorate this exceptional voyage and provide a major ongoing impact across the partnership, knitting together communities, inspiring creativity and culture, driving economic growth, and promoting understanding and education.”
Make sure to also follow the work of the Netherlands-based Leiden400.nl which is an alliance between Leiden Heritage, Museum de Lakenhal, Leiden Marketing, and Pieterskerk Leiden. Leiden400 works directly with the City of Leiden and partners abroad. They have developed an extensive year-long program for the 400th commemoration, based on cultural, scientific, educational, tourism, and social perspectives.
Other organizations and sites of note:
On behalf of the Leyden Preservation Group, we want to express our appreciation for all organizations that are contributing to efforts during the events of the 400th, to honor the life and legacy of the Pilgrims and their impact on civil and religious liberties in the United States and beyond.
Lot #1, on Leyden Street, Plymouth, Mass.
