Pilgrim Hall Future2

PILGRIM HALL MUSEUM: A GLORIOUS FUTURE, continued

Space. Pilgrim Hall Museum was bursting at the seams! The Hall previously housed exhibitions (both permanent and changing), a Library, artifact and archival storage, the Museum Shop, and a small space for staff offices – all of these functions are needed, none of them were accommodated well. Additional space was needed for two functions in particular: secure and climate controlled space for storing our most vulnerable artifacts when not on display, and space for the temporary changing exhibitions that keep us fresh and sharp. The previous temporary exhibition space was not only cramped but, being located in the Lower Hall, disrupted the flow of the permanent 17^th century exhibition.

The new PIDC wing, funded by a gift to The Campaign for Pilgrim Hall Museum, will house temporary exhibitions (with climate-controlled secure storage beneath). The new temporary exhibition space, with its improved environment, opens up possibilities for requesting the loan of significant objects, such as the original manuscript of William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation, now in the care of the Special Collections of the Massachusetts State Library, as well as freeing much-needed space in the Lower Hall to more fully tell the 17^th century Pilgrim story.

The new wing was built to the north of the original façade and the new glass entry.

The design and materials of the addition are simple and functional with walls of exposed aggregate (stone) precast concrete panels, reflecting the 1824 granite walls.

Pilgrim Hall Museum had previously encompassed 7,862 square feet. The expansion added 3,660 square feet including the new gallery for changing exhibitions with secure collection storage on its lower level, and the new entry lobby with elevator and accessible bathroom facilities beneath.