Mayflower II At Plimoth Plantation

The Mayflower II is a recreation of a real 17th century sailing vessel, just like the one the pilgrims sailed during their 1620 voyage to America. Everything from the ships rigging, made from hemp rope coated in tar, to the oak timber frame has been recreated with great care for historical accuracy to let you experience a bit of what the original passengers and crew experienced so long ago.

Visitors on board will find staff dressed in modern day clothing and able to answer any questions you have about the original ship or its reproduction, from a present day perspective.  There are also role players, dressed in period costume, who will share their stories of shipboard life.

Ask the role players questions about their life and talk with them about any topics you are interested in – they welcome it.  But, be sure to remember that the viewpoints of 17th century peoples were vastly different than those held by most people today. Don’t be shocked if they don’t agree with your concepts of freedom and equality and be prepared to hear things the people of today might consider bigoted or intolerant. It is not meant to be mean spirited but is a rare opportunity to see the world as it was seen by the people of the time.

As you speak to the passengers and crew, you can also take a some time to explore the passengers quarters, the sailors bunks and the spacious masters cabin and see what life might have been like for people of varying social classes and ranks aboard vessels of the time.

If you are at all interested in the history of our country, life at sea, the changing of perspectives over time or even if you just love boats the Mayflower II is one of the Cape Cod tourist attractions that is well worth a visit.

Take some time on one of your next Cape cod vacation packages to make the drive to Plimoth Plantation and visit the Mayflower II. The kids will love it too!

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