Plimoth Plantation Explores 17th Century Colonial and Native GLBT History
Plimoth Plantation, located in Plymouth Mass, held its second annual, “Out At Plimoth Plantation,” an all-day, inclusive, LGBT event on Saturday, September 26, 2009 featuring family activities, unique, historical lectures including, Native/two-spirit perspectives from Harlan Pruden of the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society; a Colonial look at what Plimoth Plantation knows about gay tolerance during the 17th century and an exploration of a woman’s same sex perspective during the 18th century, presented by Dr. Jennifer Manion, History Professor at Connecticut College. In addition, the day highlighted a “Family Resource, Wedding and Event Expo” presented by Plimoth Plantation’s exclusive caterer, Creative Gourmet and sponsored by Verona Salon of Plymouth, MA. The day finished with a taste of history at the museum with a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet and Social Mixer, a perfect place for guests to discuss the day’s events, and where people connect with new friends.
“History is everybody’s story…Plimoth Plantation’s mission is to provide powerful, personal experiences with that history as we know it,” said, Richard Pickering, Deputy Executive Director. “We are successful when we are able to bring the past alive for our guests by presenting relevant, true historical accounts that they can identify with, giving them a new perspective and a real connection to the past. We are confident members of the GLBT community will enjoy seeing and hearing that they too have a valid place in early American history.”
Although the museum is open and welcoming to everyone on a daily basis, “Out at Plimoth Plantation” is a fun day for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, families and friends to enjoy the living history museum in an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance, where diversity is celebrated everyday.
“I love Plimoth Plantation’s attention to the whole story of this land and its inclusion of the Native and Two-Spirit perspective,” Harlan Pruden said, “All too often we, Native People, are over looked and marginalized – but not on this day and not by this modern day ‘colonial’ folk!”
Plimoth Plantation is committed to authentic, entertaining, and interactive, living history. With that, the museum’s regular award-winning programs will be on-going at each of the sites, including: The Native Homesite, 1627 English Village, Crafts Center and onboard Mayflower II. Reflecting the realism of our daily experience, the museum has designed some additional programming for “Out At Plimoth Plantation” with speaker presentations, intended to be thought-provoking, and interesting.
About Plimoth Plantation
Plimoth Plantation is a bicultural, 17th-century living history museum located an hour south of Boston in Plymouth, (Exit 4, Route 3 south) and 20 minutes north of Cape Cod. The museum is open daily from 9 am, to 5 pm, 7 days a week, from March 22 through the end of November. Plimoth Plantation is a private, non-profit educational institution supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, function sales and revenue from our varied dining programs/services/special events and museum shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The federal Institute of Museums and Library Services, The National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. For more information visit: www.plimoth.org.