PLYMOUTH, MA— This summer marks the 125th anniversary of the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Plymouth 400, Inc. is celebrating with its second annual Forefathers Family Fun Day at the monument park on Allerton Street on Saturday, August 2 from 12 to 4 PM. Plymouth 400 Inc., the non-profit organization created to plan and execute the 400th anniversary of the founding of America’s first permanent settlement, created this family-friendly event to highlight the history and meaning behind the monument, which was created to honor the ideals on which Plymouth Colony was founded; faith, community, character, and courage.
“Forefathers Family Fun Day is an opportunity to highlight not only the rich history of Plymouth and this national landmark, but American history as a whole,” said Michele Pecoraro, Executive Director of Plymouth 400 Inc.. “This event will align with the mission of Plymouth 400 to commemorate our nation’s history in a culturally inclusive and historically accurate way, with the help of the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, the historians from the Plymouth Rock Foundation, and the rest of our featured performers and exhibitors.”
The event is free to the public and will offer entertainment and activities to celebrate American history and join together people of all cultures and backgrounds, including:
A performance of the National Anthem by Northern Lights, Plymouth North High School’s a cappella ensemble
Americana bluegrass music from Four Bridges and square dancing with Jim Schell
A performance of traditional Native American song and dance by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers
Historical reenactments by the Civil War’s 35th Virginia Calvary, Company A; and the Gettysburg Address
A performance of patriotic songs with the Golden Melodies choral ensemble and the American Legion Honor Guard
Lessons on the history of the monument from Paul Jehle and Leo Martin of Plymouth Rock Foundation as well as a lesson on Squanto’s untold history told by Timothy Turner of Native Plymouth Tours
Food trucks, arts, crafts, and games for the whole family
The National Monument to the Forefathers, or Forefathers Monument, as it is commonly called by locals, is located within walking distance of downtown Plymouth and its many attractions, shops, and restaurants. Parking, event vendor information, and a full schedule of event entertainment can be found on the Forefathers Family Fun Day mobile app, available now in the Apple and Google app stores, or on Plymouth 400 Inc.’s website.
About Plymouth 400, Inc.
Plymouth 400, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization in Plymouth, Massachusetts formed to lead the planning and execution of programs and events commemorating the 400th anniversary of Plymouth Colony in 2020. Plymouth 400 Inc. will partner with local, regional, national, and international organizations to produce programs and events leading up to 2020 that will tell the story of the 1620 landing of the Pilgrims and their relationship with the Wampanoag people in the founding of the first permanent settlement in America.
