Diaries from a British, Mayflower replica passenger are launching next month ahead of the 1620 commemoration
Peter Padfield, one of the last surviving members of the Mayflower replica crossing in 1957, is launching a new book containing his diaries from the voyage. In 1957 a courageous crew re-enacted the 1620 passage in a replica of the Mayflower with no added technology. Peter Padfield, then 25, was aboard when the ship sailed across the Atlantic from Plymouth in Devon to Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Peter Padfield, now 87 and a leading UK naval historian is publishing his diary from the voyage along with pencil sketches, cine film frames and kodak stills that were taken at the time. It’s a completely unique book and historical record. The official launch will be at Brixham Heritage Museum in Devon, UK on 7th September 2019. The book launches on the same day as the ship being put back in the water after a long restoration.
The Mayflower replica has been undergoing renovations at Mystic Seaport Museum’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard in Connecticut. On 7th September 2019, Plimoth Plantation is proud to present the official launch and re-commissioning of the Mayflower. An engaging program of speakers and entertainment will set the stage for the ceremonial christening before the ship is lowered into the Mystic River for the first time since her restoration began in November 2016. In the weeks following the launch, the remaining stages of the restoration will be completed, and it will undergo sea trials. The ship will be prepared for a spring 2020 return to Massachusetts.
Highlights from the agenda in 2020
- On 24 April 2020 Plymouth 400 Commemoration Opening Ceremony at the Memorial Hall, Plymouth, Massachusetts will take place. This will be a two-hour event of historical content, musical headliners, interpretive readings, choreographed movement, original productions and visual narratives to create a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Honouring the past and celebrating the future, each of the commemoration themes – exploration, innovation, self-governance, religious expression, immigration, and thanksgiving – will be presented in creative ways. https://www.plymouth400inc.org/event/plymouth-400-commemoration-opening-ceremony/
- From 14-19 May 2020 the Mayflower will be in Boston next to the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. This is part of the Maritime Festival taking place here. https://mayflowersails2020.com/event/
- On 21 May 2020 the Mayflower will be open to the public at State Pier in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- 27 and 28 June 2020 the Maritime Salute will take place at Plymouth Harbor and waterfront. This will be a regatta of wooden ships and other vessels honouring the original Mayflower journey. There will also be a traditional New England lobster dinner on the waterfront. https://www.seeplymouth.com/events/plymouth-400-signature-event-official-maritime-salute-400th-anniversary
- 7th September through to 14, 2020: Mayflower visits Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, The Mayflower, a replica of the historic vessel, will arrive in Provincetown for a week of activities. During the visit, Mayflower, will be part of daily historical re-enactments of the 1620 Signing of the Mayflower Compact in Provincetown Harbor. A Sunrise Toast and Bon Voyage event is slated for the 14 September, the day the ship leaves Provincetown for Plymouth, returning to its home at Plymouth Harbor https://provincetown400.com/2020-events
Dominique Kotsias, the UK Account Manager for Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism says, “we were really delighted to hear that Peter Padfield is sharing his journal from his voyage in 1957 on the Mayflower replica. What a special thing to do, highlighting this historic event that connects two destinations on either side of the Atlantic. We hope people in the UK will be inspired to visit the Mayflower and will be able to join in on some of events with the Mayflower in 2020 that are happening across the state of Massachusetts”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Peter Padfield’s book is available for purchase via this link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mayflower-II-Diary-Sketches-Lost/dp/1527244008. Peter will be at the book launch in Brixham Heritage Museum, he will also be joined by 2 other remaining crew members from the journey, apprentices who worked on the ship and Stuart Upham’s daughters (the ship builder) plus descendants of Captain Villiers. To attend or arrange interview with Peter, please email Fiona Padfield on fiona@fionapadfield.com.
In September 1620 there were approximately 102 passengers onboard the original Mayflower, and the crew is estimated to have been about 30. They departed for the New World, in November they landed in what is now Provincetown, Cape Cod and in December they settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. https://plymouth400inc.org/
Plimoth Plantation is restoring Mayflower, a gift marking the friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States during World War II, to ensure that the ship will continue to educate and inspire future generations. https://plimoth.org/what-see-do/mayflower
For more information and media enquires email Joanne Campbell Joanne@ttmworld.co.uk and for trade enquiries email Dominique Kotsias Dominique@ttmworld.co.uk , or call the UK office 0208 464 8483.
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