PLYMOUTH, MA— Plymouth 400, Inc., the organizers of the 400th Anniversary commemoration of the 1620 Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony, will host a delegation of five representatives from Plymouth, UK this week to formalize the relationship between the two Nations in planning signature events and programs across the US and abroad to highlight this historic 2020 commemoration. The Plymouth 400 Anniversary will highlight the cultural contributions and American traditions that began with the interaction of the Wampanoag and English peoples, a story that significantly shaped the building of America.
Plymouth 400, Inc. is building key collaborations with nations and organizations including the UK and Native Nations whose histories are integral to our National story of exploration, innovation, self-governance, religious freedom, and thanksgiving; the legacies sparked by these historic events that continue today as cornerstones of our nation.
Plymouth 400, Inc. and the visiting UK delegation, which includes representatives from Mayflower 400 UK, the organization recognized by England as the national leader in planning the UK’s events honoring the Mayflower voyage, will visit the State House today, March 13, to announce this international collaboration and discuss the early plans with legislators, including scheduled meetings with Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, Britain’s Consul General in Boston Susie Kitchens, State Senator Vinny deMacedo, State Representative Mathew Muratore, and members of the State’s cultural and tourism agencies.
During these meetings the current plans and progress of the Plymouth 400, Inc. including signature educational and cross cultural events and programs will be shared.
“We are honored by our alliance with Plymouth, UK which began over two years ago. Poised to be one of the most historic anniversary commemorations the United States has seen to date, additional investments and resources for Plymouth’s 400th will be required,” said Michele Pecoraro, Executive Director of Plymouth 400, Inc. “Further, with a focus on driving tourism and economic development in the region we are encouraging public and private investment in this global event, activation of a Plymouth 400 Anniversary State Commission to secure State and Federal funding and participation of all legislators across the Commonwealth as Plymouth is the first of many 400th anniversaries in Massachusetts over the next several years.”
State Senator Vinny deMacedo, who has been instrumental in securing initial State funding for Plymouth 400, Inc., will host a reception for the UK delegation and invited guests at the State House on Friday at 1pm.
“The bond between the two communities of Plymouth UK and Plymouth MA has never been stronger,” said Senator deMacedo. “I look forward to working with our friends from England as we plan our 400th anniversary celebration to create an event the entire nation can be proud of. “
Over the next five days, the Plymouth UK delegation will participate in work sessions hosted by Plymouth 400, Inc. to continue to build relationships with various tourism, cultural, and educational organizations who are taking part in the commemoration. Plymouth 400’s Massachusetts 400 Forum on Monday, March 16 at Plimoth Plantation will engage legislators, state agencies, and cultural and tourism entities from other historic communities in Massachusetts approaching 400th anniversaries (namely Boston, Salem, and Quincy) to leverage these historic events through cross-promotion. The UK delegation will then accompany the Plymouth 400, Inc. team to Washington DC on Tuesday, March 17 to meet with legislators at the Federal level including Congressman William Keating from Massachusetts and British officials in the US to continue the dialogue and engage legislators and tourism entities.
The UK delegation is comprised of Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth; Anthony Payne, Director of Development and Regeneration at Plymouth City Council; Dom Jinks, Executive Director for Plymouth Culture; Phil Davies, Principal and Chief Executive at City College Plymouth; and Councilor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council and Cabinet Member.
