The Mayflower II, built in Devon, England, is once again in Plymouth. The re-created ship gives patrons a true sense of what the original 17th century vessel was like.

a resident of Plymouth that has not heard of the upcoming 400 year anniversary celebration. Five years of festivities are planned culminating in 2020. The town will be energized with visitors and locals alike, as we celebrate the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony.

"We see it as our duty as a community to help commemorate this incredibly significant piece of history!" enthused Shelia Fey, Project Coordinator for Plymouth 400 Inc. Plymouth 400 Inc. is a not-for-profit organization formed to lead the planning and execution of activities commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Voyage as well as the founding of Plymouth Colony. "This is an anniversary of national and international significance. We want to engage the community now, so that in 2020 they'll be fully involved in all of our events and programs!"

This celebration of Plymouth's national legacy brings together industry, commerce, and the arts not only in Massachusetts, but on a global
scale. Plymouth will be the world stage for the national and international celebration of the Mayflower voyage 400 years ago.

In September of 1620 the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England headed for the "New World." Interestingly, the ship was destined for Virginia, but due to weather and navigational error, landed in Massachusetts. After months at sea, the Mayflower landed on Cape Cod
in November of 1620. The ship held church goers in search of religious freedom and entrepreneurs determined to realize economic success in a new profitable colony.

Many of the new colonists did not survive that first year in New England. But health and economic conditions did improve.

A campaign is currently underway in hopes that the US Postal Servicepublic schools. These talented boys and girls undergo an audition and application process to perform

Plymouth International Chorus

with this
historic ensemble. Concerts take place in the United States and abroad.
Each year new students and venues are chosen. Their final concert will take place in 2020.

The graduating class of 2020 has the very fortunate situation to be highlighted throughout the 400th anniversary celebration. While many of the celebrations are deeply rooted in telling stories in the past, this particular project focuses on the future.

Since first grade the class of 2020 has been creating "artifacts" and tucking them away until high school graduation. They have drawn
pictures, written short books, journaled their thoughts about Plymouth, and written letters to people living across the nation explaining why they should visit Plymouth.
"Plymouth 400 is planning Signature Events and Programs for the 2020 commemoration, and these range from multi-cultural festivals to educational webcasts to historical and cultural exhibitions," explained Sheila. The Native story is integral when understanding the history of Plymouth. The first Signature Program is in circulation and is called The first installment of the story is captured:1614. This is an educational exhibit that tells a 400-year-old piece of history that had a significant impact on the Wampanoag tribe, their relationship with the Mayflower Pilgrims, and the founding of Plymouth Colony. It details the kidnapping of Wampanoag men from  Patuxet, by European explorers. Patuxet was the Wampanoag village that became Plymouth Colony. The free exhibition is created by a Wampanoag design team and told from the Native perspective. This exhibit will grow and continue to tour the region through 2020.

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