On May 19th, downtown Plymouth goes back to a time when pirates walked together with Pilgrims! This reenactment is based on a 1646 event in which three ships filled with riches landed in Plymouth Harbor. Pilgrim Governor William Bradford's book Of Plimoth Plantation documented the incredible event. The annual celebration in the form or a reenactment is hosted by the General Society of Mayflower Decendants. It all begins at 9:45 am with the roar of canons alerting Plymouth of visitors in the harbor and concludes at with a 7:00 p.m. lecture.
Throughout the day, there's artisans from Colonial Plymouth Area, at least one sword fight with a pirate, and musket drills.
Most activities will be held at the Mayflower Society House, but tourists and locals alike should keep an eye out for any places carrying a pirate flag to signify an event.
The schedule of events is as follows:
9:45 a.m.: In response to pirate ships anchoring in Plymouth Harbor, The Old Colony Club fires cannons off the State Pier.
10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: After Captain Myles Standish signals approval, Pirates and Pilgrims walk together through Plymouth to reach the encampment at the Mayflower Society House.
10:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.: Lessons on sword fighting, making arts and crafts, and handling a musket. Watch as a sailor and the Pirate Captain engage in a swordfight that results in one of their deaths
2:00 pm: The final official sword fight of the day. En garde!
3:00 pm- 4:00 pm: Bear witness at the trial of the Pirate Captain by the Plymouth Council of War at the Mayflower Society House- will he be convicted?
7:00 p.m. "Captain" Joe Pereira will give a lecture, entitled "Navigation in the Golden Age of Piracy", at 7:00 pm in the Solarium of the Mayflower Society House. The lecture is open to everyone of any age.
The Mayflower Society House will still be open for tours at regular admissions price.
The rain date for Pirates Ashore is May 20th, with the same schedule as above.
ABOUT THE GENERAL SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS: The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) is a non-profit organization for people related to any Pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth in 1620. In order to join, you must have definite proof of lineage to a Pilgrim. GSMD works to teach the public about the history of Pilgrims and to operate genealogy research to investigate lines of lineage.
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