Pilgrim Hall Museum - Education

PLYMOUTH HISTORY FOR GRADES 7 AND OLDER

Pilgrim Hall Museum tells the story of Plymouth, Massachusetts, beginning with the arrival of the ship Mayflower in 1620. Are you learning about the Pilgrims and the Native Americans who lived in Plymouth Colony? Here are some materials and activities to help you find out more!

WORD SEARCH: This word search will introduce you to some key words that relate to Plymouth history.

gallery
Wampanoag
pilgrim
primary source
prehistoric
Native American
artifact
currency
portrait

investors
colonist
Separatist
compact
promontory
provisions
merchants
harbor
destination

LOOK AND LEARN -This map of Plymouth Harbor was made by French explorer Samuel Champlain who visited the area in 1605, years before the English colonists arrived. Read this primary source quote from Champlain:

“…we sailed two leagues along a sandy coast, as we passed along which we saw a great many cabins and gardens…”

What evidence do you see that shows how the Wampanoag community lived in Plymouth before the arrival of the Pilgrims?

THEN AND NOW - Almost 400 years ago when the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, the artifacts listed below were in common use. What are they? How were they used? Can you match them to something we use today?

fireplace
candle
cradle
sword
spinning wheel

kettle
mortar and pestle
warming pan
tankard
hearth

IT’S YOUR ADVENTURE TOO!
Imagine that you are standing on the deck of this ship, the Mayflower. It has finally arrived in Plymouth Harbor on this cold December afternoon.

You have been on board ship for 66 days. It has been a hard crossing with fierce storms, sickness, and bad food to eat. You are watching the men row to shore, but there are no people to greet them nor houses for shelter. You see nothing but wilderness.

What are your feelings?
If you could send a message back home, what would you write?

Pilgrim Hall Museum
75 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360 | Phone (508) 746-1620