Last November, our first educational and cultural exhibit, “Our”Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History debuted in Plymouth before traveling throughout the Cape and Islands. Its second chapter, “The Messenger Runner” will be open to the public at the Mashpee Wampanoag Community and Government Center tomorrow, and remain on display there until January.
Created by a Wampanoag design team with complete editorial control, this exhibit has been praised for its honest and powerful approach to highlighting pieces of indigenous history that are commonly left out of the storied version of the founding of Plymouth Colony and, in particular, the First Thanksgiving. It received international media attention upon its debut for telling “the story of Squanto, and the millions he represents” (Public Radio International) and for “changing Thanksgiving’s history” (The Boston Globe).
What’s the story?
“Our”Story opened last year with “Captured 1614” featuring a critical back story to colonization and the roots of the American holiday, Thanksgiving. It answered the obvious yet unasked question of, “How was Squanto able to speak English and ultimately help the Pilgrims survive in the New World?” The answer? The 1614 kidnapping of Squanto and his lesser-known Atlantic crossing.
This year’s chapter, “The Messenger Runner” will add new context regarding the Wampanoag tribe’s historic traditions and territory. Visitors to the exhibit will learn about how members of the Tribe were chosen, based upon their endurance and their capacity for memory, to run to neighboring villages and territories to deliver essential messages.
Why is this exhibit important?
As our Executive Director Michele Pecoraro puts it; “Plymouth 400 is committed to creating a commemoration that is historically accurate, which means addressing realities of the story that don’t reflect the simplified and often inaccurate depictions of the First Thanksgiving. This exhibit is intended to create conversations around these crucial realities in our history in an informative and authentic way, honoring the contributions of both cultures and recognizing the complexities of their relationship.”
Visiting the exhibit
“Our”Story will open to the public at the Mashpee Wampanoag Community and Government Center, located at 483 Great Neck Road South in Mashpee, MA. Visitors can see the exhibit for free during normal business hours (9AM-5PM).
Messages with Meaning
“The Messenger Runner” includes a short film which leaves viewers with a powerful message from the Tribe. We want to hear your message to the world! Tweet @Plymouth_400 your message using #TheMessengerRunner and you could be featured on our website!
