UPDATE AS OF 5/28/20:
This week we announced that the Plymouth 400 Commemoration was still very much alive but that plans were shifting as a response to the global pandemic. Please read on by clicking here for the full press release. Thank you!
UPDATE AS OF 5/15/20:
Since our last update, Massachusetts has moved out the stay-at-home order to May 18 and guidelines are still to be confirmed as they pertain to not only our office but to public gatherings in general. Our office remains closed and the Plymouth 400 staff is working remotely. As we look forward to re-opening business in the coming weeks and months, we encourage everyone to remain cautious and follow the safety guidelines in your local area. At Plymouth 400, we are in the process of adjusting our programs and events so we can fulfill our commitment to deliver a memorable 400th anniversary. In two weeks we will announce updated plans for the Plymouth 400 Commemoration. These plans pertain specifically to Plymouth 400’s Signature Events. For updates on postponements and cancellations of our partners’ events please contact the organizations directly or visit their respective social media pages and websites. Thank you!
UPDATE AS OF 4/15/20:
There has been some confusion around the rescheduling of the Signature Events of the Plymouth 400 Commemoration. Plymouth 400 is not moving ALL events to 2021 at this time. Based upon recent COVID-19 reports and other large event closures, we are rescheduling the Plymouth 400 Maritime Festival to June of 2021, dates to be determined. However, Plymouth 400 events planned for Fall of 2020 are still scheduled as planned. We will continue to monitor the progress of this pandemic and make decisions as information becomes clear regarding restrictions on large gatherings and events. Once we have further State and Federal guidance on the protocol for gatherings, we will announce any changes.
Visit this site regularly for updates on Plymouth 400.
UPDATE AS OF 4/10/20:
Plymouth 400 continues to follow guidance from local, state and federal officials as we reshape plans for the 2020 commemoration. Earlier we postponed the Opening Ceremony which was scheduled to take place April 24th and a new date has not been set at this time. Based upon recent COVID-19 reports and other large event closures, we are also rescheduling the Plymouth 400 Maritime Festival to June of 2021, dates to be determined.
Currently, Plymouth 400 events in the latter part of the year are still scheduled as planned but subject to change based on the COVID-19 curve and the path it takes in the coming weeks and months. We thank everyone for their ongoing support and outreach. Once we have further guidance on restrictions for large events and public gatherings we will share additional event details.
UPDATE AS OF 3/21/20:
A Message from Plymouth 400 Executive Director, Michele Pecoraro
At Plymouth 400 our intention is, as it always has been, to provide you a commemoration that honors and balances the 1620 history of the Pilgrims and Wampanoags, whatever form that takes in the coming weeks and months. Currently, we are following State and Federal directives regarding COVID-19, while providing online information to deepen your understanding of the Pilgrim families and Wampanoag Tribal members. As our communities, our country and our friends around the world take unprecedented measures to end the spread of the Coronavirus, Plymouth 400 is working to provide you with accessible information you can use at home to learn, entertain and inform.
In the coming days, we will publish an online Educational Resource page at plymouth400inc.org/education linking to online resources provided by our many partner organizations including museums, libraries, historic houses and virtual tours. We will continue to add resources as our partners add new online programs so check back on the Educational Resource section of our website regularly.
Our online store offers official Plymouth 400 merchandise and we will add new items periodically. Click here to see our commemorative gift items. The Plymouth 400 license plate is still available through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Click here to go directly to the Online Service Center on the RMV website and scroll down to “Plates” to begin the process. Every commemorative item or license plate you buy goes directly to support the Plymouth 400 events and programs now and in the future.
We are keeping our online calendar updated to the best of our ability with postponements and cancellations of our partner’s events related to the anniversary. We are hopeful that our partners are able to reschedule, and we look forward to moving those events to future dates as we emerge from current restrictions.
We are especially grateful to our business partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers who have supported us over these years. Without them we would not have come so far or gained the momentum we now have, to continue to provide resources and move our mission forward in this uncertain time. I want to express special thanks to the NBC family who have been in this with us every step of the way, gaining us regional and national recognition for this historic anniversary.
We will continue to work with our colleagues locally and internationally to bring you information about the 1620 history of Plymouth Colony until we can gather together again in a commemorative moment that resounds around the globe.
Peace and good health,
Michele
Michele M. Pecoraro
Executive Director
Plymouth 400, Inc.
UPDATE AS OF 3/16/20: PLYMOUTH 400, INC. TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS PUBLIC OFFICE HOURS
“In the interest of public safety and the safety of our employees and volunteers, the Plymouth 400 Offices will be closed to the public until further notice. All meetings will be virtual through conference calls and video conferencing. For information you can reach out to the staff via the contact page, shop on our retail site, watch the homepage for the most up-to-date information on Plymouth 400 and actions we are taking to manage our events in relation to COVID-19. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue working to ensure a fitting commemoration for the Plymouth 400 Anniversary in 2020.”
UPDATE AS OF 3/12/20: PLYMOUTH 400, INC. POSTPONES OPENING CEREMONY
PLYMOUTH, MA (March 12, 2020) – Plymouth 400, Inc., the 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization formed to lead the planning and execution of programs and events commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony in 1620 issues an important message from Plymouth 400 Executive Director Michele Pecoraro today:
“In adhering to policies put forth by the federal, state, and local governments, the Plymouth 400 Commemoration Opening Ceremony scheduled for April 24, 2020 is being postponed to a suggested date of June 26th, 2020 subject to conditions at the time. Plymouth 400, Inc. has been carefully monitoring updates related to coronavirus (COVID-19) under the guidance of health and municipal agencies. This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we are doing what is needed to keep local citizens, invited participants and visitors, to the best of our ability, safe and healthy. We will continue working with municipal and state officials, and closely follow updates from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health, regarding all future planned events.
While the risk in the Plymouth area remains low, this situation is changing very quickly, and we are closely monitoring all developments. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the World Health Organization’s suggested safety precautions including regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing signs of illness. Our first priority is public safety and we ask that you please continue to monitor Plymouth400inc.org for new information as it becomes available regarding this and all other Plymouth 400 events.”
