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Organization
and Structure of the Pilgrim Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum |
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The General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts incorporated the Pilgrim Society in 1820 for the
declared purpose of "...procuring in the Town of Plymouth, a suitable lot, or plat of
ground, for the creation of a Monument to perpetuate the memory of the virtues, the
enterprize, and unparalleled sufferings of [the Pilgrims]; and for the erection of a
suitable Building, for the accomodation of the meetings [of the Society]."
Pilgrim Hall Museum was built and opened to the public
in 1824. Pilgrim Hall is the oldest museum in continuous
operation in the United States.
Long after Pilgrim Hall Museum had been erected,
respect for the indomitable spirit of the Pilgrims continued to motivate the Pilgrim
Society, as it still does today. Defining the purposes of the organization in contemporary
terms, the Trustees have approved the following statement:
"The Mission of the Pilgrim
Society is to preserve the artifacts and records of the Pilgrims, their colony and town,
and to interpret their history, demonstrating its continuing significance as a unifying
focus in our diverse and multicultural society."
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Pilgrim Hall Museum is accredited
by the American Association of Museums. This is one of the highest honors a museum
can receive -- accreditation certifies that a museum operates according to professional
standards, manages both its collections and its finances responsibly, and provides a
quality experience for the visitor. Of over 8000 museums nationwide, less than 800
have received accreditation.
Accreditation is a very rigorous process
and we are proud of having achieved this special status! The report of the American
Association of Museums Visiting Committee applauded Pilgrim Hall :
"The Pilgrim Hall Museum of
the Pilgrim Society can claim being not only the oldest continuously operating museum in
the country, but also a terrific example of a well-run institution that utilizes its
limited resources for maximum effect. The enthusiasm of its staff
and volunteers is clearly evident in all facets of its operations."
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The Pilgrim Society is a non-profit
educational institution. It is funded through admissions,
memberships, and donations. Membership in the Pilgrim Society is not genealogical.
We warmly welcome anyone who shares in our goals and appreciates the heritage of
the Pilgrims.
If you would like to join us, please click on Membership.
If you would like to support the ongoing work of the Society, please click on To Our Friends.
Donations to the Pilgrim Society, to support the operations of
Pilgrim Hall Museum, can be made online through www.networkforgood.org
For information about Pilgrim Hall Museum’s exciting plans for the future, please
click on Into the 21st Century.
The Pilgrim Society is governed by
Officers and a Board of Trustees elected by the membership at the annual meeting of the
Society, held in its Hall on December 21 (the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims
in Plymouth) each year. Click for a list of the Staff of
the Pilgrim Society.
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