Old Colony Memorial, October 8, 2014
PLYMOUTH – Several Plymouth organizations have received state funds to complete restoration projects in preparation of the 400th celebration in 2020. Gov. Duval Patrick and Senate President Therese Murray recently visited two of the beneficiaries of these funds – The Spire Center for Performing Arts and Pilgrim Hall Museum – to view the progress that has been made and plans for future renovations.
“We are grateful to Senate President Murray for her support of Plymouth’s historic and cultural treasures,” Plymouth 400 Executive Director Michele Pecoraro said. “With her support, and the support of Governor Patrick, organizations such as Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plimoth Plantation, The Spire Center and the Plymouth Center for the Arts have been able to restore and improve their facilities and priceless art, which will gain Plymouth greater recognition as a cultural destination and result in an economic boost as we approach 2020.”
State funds are being used to restore Henry Sargent’s 1822 painting “Landing of the Pilgrims” at Pilgrim Hall Museum, repurpose a former church and Jewish community center as The Spire Center for Performing Arts, repair and preserve Plimth Plantation’s Mayflower II, expand the Plymouth Center for the Arts and plan Plymouth’s 400th anniversary commemorative programs and events.
Patrick and Murray first stopped in to visit The Spire and spoke with board members and those benefitting from space in the new performing arts center. The state officials then visited Pilgrim Hall and visited with the Museum board and checked out the Sargent painting and other work being done in preparation for the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims.
Photo Credit: Wes Ennis
