June 10, 2008
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick visits Pilgrim Hall Museum and
signs an Executive Order creating a State Commission
to plan the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Pilgrims in 2020.

Governor Deval Patrick is escorted into Pilgrim Hall Museum's Main Hall by Pilgrim Society Trustee Emeritus Peter J. Gomes.

Photography by Paul McAlduff

Peter Gomes, Trustee Emeritus of the Pilgrim Society, opens the ceremony.  He is flanked by Representative Vinny DeMacedo (left) and by Governor Deval Patrick and Senate President Therese Murray (right).

Photography by Paul McAlduff

The contributions of John Talcott, Trustee Emeritus of the Pilgrim Society and Chair of the Celebration of the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims in 1970, are recognized by Peter Gomes.

Photography by Paul McAlduff

Governor Deval Patrick speaks

Photography by Paul McAlduff

Senate President Therese Murray, Vice-President of the Pilgrim Society, speaks.

Photography by Paul McAlduff

Governor Deval Patrick signs the State Commission into existence

Photography by Paul McAlduff

The signing is applauded. 
Left to right: Selectman Ken Tavares, Selectman Butch Machado, Selectman Dicky Quintal, Pilgrim Society & Pilgrim Hall Museum Director Peg Baker, The Rev. Professor Peter J. Gomes, Governor Deval Patrick (seated), British Consul General for New England Dr. Philip Budden, Senate President Therese Murray, Representative Vinny DeMacedo, Representative Tom Coulter, Town Manager Mark Sylvia

Photography by Paul McAlduff

Governor Deval Patrick hands a "signing pen" To Senator President Therese Murray.
Left to right: Selectman Dicky Quintal, Pilgrim Society & Pilgrim Hall Museum Director Peg Baker, The Rev. Professor Peter J. Gomes, Governor Deval Patrick (seated), British Consul General for New England Dr. Philip Budden, Senate President Therese Murray, Representative Vinny DeMacedo (with his hand on Pilgrim Hall Museum's piece of Plymouth Rock) and Representative Tom Coulter

Photography by Paul McAlduff