Authorities

The history of the Plymouth Colony may be read in considerable detail in the words of its founders.

The most important of these contemporary accounts is Governor Bradford’s history “Of Plymouth Plantation,” covering the years 1602–1647. This has been republished at various times, notably by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1898) and the Massachusetts Historical Society (1912).

In his “Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers” (1847), Alexander Young has gathered together and republished a number of contemporary accounts, including “Mourt’s Relation,” so called, which is actually a journal of 1620–21, written by Gov. Bradford and Edward Winslow, and originally published in London in 1622, with a preface signed “G. Mourt”; “Good News from New England,” Winslow’s journal of 1622–23, published in London, 1624; and various other interesting documents, such as Cushman’s discourse on “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love,” a letter referring to the first Thanksgiving; and Winslow’s account of the church in Leyden, including John Robinson’s farewell sermon.

The “Colony Records” have been published by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the “Town Records” by the town of Plymouth. They contain much information invaluable to the student.

Other 17th century writers who mention Plymouth are Thomas Morton, the genial but disorderly founder of “Merrymount”; John Pory; and Isaac de Rasieres, whose description of Plymouth in 1629 is quoted in most of the modern histories. Concerning the “Bay Colony” (Massachusetts) Alexander Young has reprinted much original matter, in a volume similar to his “Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers.”

Among later histories, the following are very helpful.

“The Pilgrim Republic”—John A. Goodwin

“The Pilgrims and their History”—Roland G. Usher

“Plymouth and the Pilgrims”—Arthur Lord

PILGRIM HALL

A Museum of Pilgrim History and Relics. Open mornings and afternoons and in the summer, open evenings.

PILGRIM SOCIETY

Founded 1820

THE PLYMOUTH ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY

presents

THE ANTIQUARIAN HOUSE

126 Water Street

THE WILLIAM HARLOW HOUSE

119 Sandwich Street

Museums That Might Be Lived In

CRAFTSMEN AT WORK

using local clay

UNIQUE SOUVENIRS

THE JABEZ HOWLAND HOUSE

Pilgrim John Howland Society

Sandwich Street, opposite Water Street

Open to Visitors

Built in 1674

Admission 25c

THE MAJ. JOHN BRADFORD HOUSE

Landing Road :: Kingston, Mass.

Originally a part of Plymouth

Visit the

JOHN ALDEN HOUSE

DUXBURY :: MASS.

APTUCXET

First Trading Post of Plymouth Colony

Reconstructed on the original foundations to illustrate the beginnings of American commerce.

On the Cape Cod Canal near the South end of the Bourne Bridge on the Gray Gables Road.

Visit the

HISTORIC WINSLOW HOUSE

Marshfield

Careswell Street Route 139

Home of Hon. Isaac Winslow, son of Gov. Josiah Winslow and grandson of Gov. Edward Winslow.

Built 1699 and one of the finest mansions of its period now standing.

Open June 17–Sept. 15 Admission 25 Cents

OLD DARTMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded 1903

To create and foster an interest in the history of that portion of the Plymouth Plantations set off as the Town of Dartmouth in 1664, a territory, at present, embracing the towns of Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Westport, and the City of New Bedford.

The Society, dedicated to historical research, maintains an extensive and unique Whaling Museum, together with a Museum of Domestic Articles illustrative of the past history of Old Dartmouth.

The Museums are open to the public during the week, except on Mondays. (Admission 25 cents) and on Sunday afternoons free.

JOHNNY CAKE HILL

New Bedford Massachusetts

William H. Tripp, Secretary and Curator

STATE STREET TRUST COMPANY

Boston, Mass.

A New England Institution for Every Banking and Trust Service

Charles Francis Adams Chairman of the Board

Allan Forbes President

Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

MASSACHUSETTS BONDING AND INSURANCE COMPANY

Home Office: Boston

T. J. Falvey, President

Transacts business throughout the United States.

FIDELITY and SURETY BONDS and CASUALTY INSURANCE

A simple way to secure Dependable Insurance at fair price is to ask your agent or broker for a policy in a sturdy old New England Company—either the Boston Insurance Company or the Old Colony Insurance Company.

Home Offices:

87 Kilby Street, Boston, Massachusetts