The Pilgrim Society
The Pilgrim Society was incorporated by the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 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 [sic] of the meetings [of the Society].”
Pilgrim Hall Museum was built and opened to the public in 1824 and has been in continuous operation ever since.
The Pilgrim Society, doing business as Pilgrim Hall Museum, is a non-profit educational institution that stewards a significant collection of artwork, artifacts and furnishings, and rare books and documents related to Plymouth history. It is funded through admissions, memberships, and donations. Membership in the Pilgrim Society/Pilgrim Hall Museum is not lineage based and is open to all.
The Pilgrim Society/Pilgrim Hall Museum is governed by Officers and a Board of Trustees elected by the membership at the annual meeting of the Society, held each year on December 21 (the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims in Plymouth). A professional staff runs the daily operations of Pilgrim Hall Museum. Volunteers support the Museum through service on committees and a wide range of onsite activities.
Pilgrim Hall Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. This is one of the highest distinctions a museum can receive — accreditation certifies that a museum operates according to professional standards; is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusiveness; stewards its collections and manages its finances responsibly; and provides substantive visitor and learning experiences.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Pilgrim Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum is to foster thoughtful understandings of the Mayflower Pilgrims, the Wampanoag people, and the complex evolution of Plymouth as an impactful narrative of America’s history.
We are committed to telling this story with historical accuracy, inclusion, and recognition for histories that traditionally have been submerged, silenced, or erased.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, December 21, 2023
Bylaws
APPROVED BY VOTE OF MEMBERSHIP, DECEMBER 21, 2022
BY-LAWS OF THE PILGRIM SOCIETY
FOREWORD
The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts incorporated
THE PILGRIM SOCIETY (hereafter the “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 accom- modation of the meetings [of the Society].” In1824 the Society erected such a Building, with later additions, and since that date has operated therein the Pilgrim Hall Museum, the oldest continually operating museum in America. The conduct and regulation of the affairs of the Society shall be subject to such provisions as are set forth in the Society’s Act of Incorporation and in chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Peter L. Brown of Pembroke, Massachusetts, South Shore philanthropist and owner of Tiny & Sons Auto Glass, has served a leadership role with Pilgrim Hall Museum since joining the Board in 2018. Elected as President in 2020, he guided the organization through the pandemic era to a period of renewal with a major capital restoration that launched during the Museum’s 200th anniversary in 2024.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Judith Fosdick enjoyed an extensive career in education and publishing, including 20 years as a manager editor for a major publishing house. Her professional pursuits are matched by decades of volunteer service to Plymouth’s cultural community, including Pilgrim Hall Museum, where she joined the Board in 2016 and was elected 1st Vice President in 2021.
TREASURER: Jane Ricardi, originally of Milton, MA, has a background in finance and banking. Since founding her own company, North Light Financial Services, in Plymouth in 1999, she has participated on many local non-profit boards. She became a Trustee of the Pilgrim Society in 2020 and was elected Treasurer in 2023.
SECRETARY: Jae Dunn of Plymouth, MA, a retired technology professional, is a Pilgrim descendant with a passion for history, genealogy, and historic sites, including local graveyards where she has spent hours documenting stones and inscriptions. She became involved with the Museum during preparations for Plymouth’s 400th anniversary and joined the Board as Secretary in 2021.
Form 990
Our most recent 990 tax form can be accessed here: Pilgrim Society Form 990