History never really says goodbye. History says ‘See you later.’
Eduardo Galeano
First Encounters
The model village at Plimoth Plantation
Living in New England means living side by side with history. We love exposing our children to history, and they love soaking it up! Join us on short trip south of Boston to trace the footsteps of our first European settlers, and learn about the native people they encountered.
The Mayflower and Plymouth Rock
Replica of the Mayflower
On your first stop in Plymouth, Massachusetts, you’ll find two important icons of American history, the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock.
Step aboard the replica Mayflower, where you’re free to explore the entire ship.
As you explore the Mayflower, you may notice that the captain’s quarters, above, seem luxurious compared to the quarters below decks.
When they’re onboard, children can get involved with chores! They’re natural sponges and love learning about history in a first-hand way.
Plymouth Rock
After you’ve explored the Mayflower, it’s a short distance to Plymouth Rock. You’ll probably have the same response when you see the rock that most first-time visitors have. We’ll leave the response a mystery, in case you haven’t visited it yet.
Although Plymouth isn’t the first landing place of the Pilgrims in the New World, the town makes the most of its place in our history. After your visit, your children might love to learn about where the Pilgrims really made landing, their life aboard ship, and their encounters with Native Americans. Award-winning author Nathaniel Philbrick’s children’s book, The Mayflower and the Pilgrim’s New World is an excellent resource for the whole family.
Plimoth Plantation
A short drive south of Plymouth will take you to perhaps one of New England’s most important historical sites, Plimoth Plantation. This living museum will teach you how the local Native American population and the first settlers lived, farmed, fished, and passed time nearly 400 years ago. The reconstructed settlement is an eye-opening experience detailing the daily life of these people.
Animals are an important part of this living museum, and a big attraction for kids.
Many of the dwellings also feature gardens that are filled with typical plants from the period, with medicinal herbs and edibles mixed together.
Heritage Museum and Gardens
Next on your trip, head over the Cape Cod canal to Sandwich, to the Heritage Museum and Gardens. This combined indoor/outdoor museum includes three art galleries and outdoor exhibits. Its expansive gardens boast the country’s most comprehensive collection of hydrangeas.
After exploring the art, head outside to the gardens. There you’ll find an array of outdoor activities, including a labyrinth designed by Marty Cain, one of the best-known labyrinth designers in North America.
Outdoor art exhibits are a fun way for children to learn about nature through playing.
Hidden Hollow, a special exhibit, engages children and adults in a variety of sensory experiences to help them feel connected to the outdoors.
Be sure to visit in late July and August when the hydrangeas are in full bloom!
Have fun learning history with your family.
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