November 19th

My daughter, son-in-law and Gideon picked me up this morning so we could make the drive to Plimoth Plantation.  She was given some free passes from a friend and they expired the end of the month so we had to use them.  We had a really great time.  Plimoth Plantation is a 17th century village with actors playing the rolls of people who lived there during that time.  There is also a section with Wampanoag or other Native American people.  The Wampanoag section is set up more like a working museum, I guess it could be called.  The staff there wear traditional clothing but are there to teach visitors and answer questions from a modern day point of view.  The actors in the plantation section are in character as a person from that time period, I believe around 1624.  So the village had been established, more people had arrived from England and some had moved on to other places or back to England.

There were 2 Wampanoag buildings we could enter.  I only went into one of them.  I think they said that the inner part of the walls was made with cedar bark and the outer with birch bark.  I know the inner was cedar to protect from insects.  It was about the size for 3 families to live in during the winter.  There would be 3 fires and each family would care for and supply their own.  The building that I didn't enter was much smaller and they were cooking in that one.  Visitors aren't allowed to sample the food, it was for the staff.  A class was taught however about the cooking.  

The first building that we came to in the Pilgrim part was the Meeting House/Fort.  This 2 story building served as a place to gather for protection, worship, voting, town meetings and such.  We got to this building just as it was starting to rain.  It made for a beautiful view.  The Plantation has changed some since we were there last.  It used to be that only actors were in the village, now they have someone from staff who can answer questions from a modern view point as well.  There is also a house that is dedicated to being a children's activity area.  There are a few items, including stilts and table settings that children can play with.  We also saw chickens, sheep and goats.  The actors were well done.  One of them we stayed and listen too for a while.  I wish I could remember his name, I want to say Bercher.  My pamphlet was left in the car apparently so my resources are limited.  The internet isn't helping with that either.  Gideon seemed to enjoy listening to all the stories.  He was respectful of the people wanting to stay in period.   I purchased 2 things at the gift shop at Plimoth Plantation-some white chocolate cranberry fudge and a necklace with a magnifier.  I am hopeful that the magnifier is strong enough to start a fire with.  If so, it will come with me hiking.  

On the way home we stopped off at IKEA for a few things. It was along the way. I picked up some lights for my bedroom but won't be back to the house until after Thanksgiving to really use them.  Visiting the Plimoth Plantation is my happy for today.  

 Bye!

☮