Cushnoc: The History and Archaeology of Plymouth
Colony Traders on the Kennebec By Leon E.
Cranner, Occasional Publications in Maine Archaeology, No. 7 © 1990 by the
Maine Historic Preservation
Commission.
A well-documented presentation of the early settlement of Maine and the
Plymouth's trading house/houses on the Kennebec river. Well illustrated.
The Children of the Morning Light By Manitongquat,
Mary F. Arquette (Illustrator) Macmillan
Publishing Co., © 1994
A collection of traditional stories that describe the creation of the world
and the early history of the Wampanoag Indian in southeastern Massachusetts.
Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers of the Colony of
Plymouth From 1602 to 1625 By Alexander Young Second edition.
(1844), Reprinted 1995
Contains an authentic history of the Pilgrim Fathers who planted the Colony of
Plymouth, from their origin in John Robinson's congregation in 1602 to his
death in 1625. The document of first importance is Gov. Bradford's History of
the Plymouth Colony, which contains a detailed history of their rise in the
north of England, their residence in Holland, the causes which led to their
emigration, and the means whereby they transported themselves to America.
Constance: A Story of Early Plymouth By Patricia
Clapp A Beech Tree Paperback Book. 1991, © 1968
A young girl's diary reflects life in Plymouth colony. Author's Note:
"Except for one, all of the people in this story existed just as you find them
here. The exception is Minnetuxet, who slipped in quietly and refused to
leave."
Eating the Plates; A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners
By Lucille Recht Penner Macmillan Publishing Co., © 1991
Although bibliographical references are given, Ms. Penner's story is not
always accurate. The Speedwell is entirely omitted. Page 4 states, "They
decided to leave little children and old people behind with friends..." There
were many young children aboard the Mayflower. Illustrations showing Pilgrims
rowing a canoe in search for a place to settle, is another example. However,
it is a story primary children would enjoy and you can make it into a learning
experience for them by having them try to find the "myths." I am reminded of
the old adage, "don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Some excellent
material is included.
The Dangerous Voyage (Time Navigators, No. 1)
By Gilbert Morris Bethany
House Publishers, © 1995
"Trapped in the year 1620 after a trip in an experimental time machine,
14-year-old twins, Danny and Dixie, set sail for the New World on the
Mayflower and discover some surprising things about the faith and life of the
pilgrims."
The First Thanksgiving By Linda Hayward, illustrated by James
Watling Random House,
© 1990, 1992
This is a "STEP into Reading" - Step 2 book for Grades 1-3. Children in Hawaii
learn to read during the latter part of their kindergarten year and most would
be able to read this book by the end of the school year, if not before. Both
the author and the illustrator thanked the experts who supplied the
information to assist them in making the pictures and text historically
accurate. They are especially grateful to the research staff at Plimoth
Plantation. I might add that the colorful illustrations are very well
presented. On page 10 and 11 you will find a cut-a-way picture of Mayflower
depicting the crowded conditions.
The First Thanksgiving By Jean Craighead George, illustrated by
Thomas Locker Philomel Books, © 1993
With Squanto, as her hero, the author tells a story of adventure, humanity and
compassion. Her story is about how the lives of Squanto and the Pilgrims came
together, culminating with their joint celebration of what we now refer to as
the first "Thanksgiving." Both the author and illustrator have received awards
for their previous works. The First Thanksgiving is a book to be read aloud to
younger children and can be shared by the entire family.
The First Thanksgiving Feast By Joan Anderson, with
photographs by George Ancona Clarion Books, © 1984
The black-and-white photographs realistically portray the Pilgrims planning
their harvest festival, talking about the past year and the festival itself.
The School Library Journal said, "This dramatized account of the first
Thanksgiving will be a unique and welcome addition to all American history
collections... Narrative and illustrations work well together to create a real
sense of the people, daily life and culture in 1620s Plymouth.... This is a
piece of living history that deserves to be enjoyed year-round."
Good News from New England By Edward Winslow
Reprint Edition. Paperback Published by
Applewood Books, publication date: August 1, 1996
Originally published in 1624. Information about native Americans and their
life style as well as contemporary reflections on the New England soil and
climate. Encouraged others in England to join them.
... If You Sailed on The Mayflower in 1620
By Ann McGovern, illustrated by Anna DiVito
Scholastic, Inc. © 1969, 1991
This is a story of the Pilgrims, their Mayflower adventure, and their first
year at Plimoth and concludes with the celebration of Thanksgiving. The author
explains who the Pilgrims were, describes the type of ship they sailed on ...
has an excellent cutaway drawing of the ship Mayflower ... each chapter asks a
question such as "Who were the Pilgrims?", "What kind of table manners were
the children taught?" and was answered separating myth and truth.
Land Ho! 1620; A Seaman's Story of the Mayflower, Her
Construction, Her Navigation, and Her First Landfall By W. Sears
Nickerson Edited with an Introduction by Delores Bird Carpenter
Michigan State University Press, © 1997
"With an original 1931 press run of only 750, surviving copies of Land Ho!
1620 are now either in archives or exist as valued collector's editions.
Acclaimed by the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association in 1957 as "the most
authentic, interesting, and best written book on the voyage of the Pilgrims
and their lives," Nickerson's work is now available in this handsome paperback
edition, complete with all original illustrations and maps. Nickerson scholar
Delores Bird Carpenter updated all 179 annotations, checking them against
original sources. In addition, she has prepared a new bibliography and an
extensive, new introduction that places Land Ho! 1620 into its historical and
historiographical context.
Divided into four parts, the first describes "the Voyage";
the second, told with the skill of a shipbuilder, describes "the Ship," which
includes drawings of the deck plan, the passenger quarters, and the elevation
and the sail plan. Also included in this section are discussions of the ship's
speed, instruments, and personnel. The third, "the backside of Cape Cod,"
addresses the problem of where the Mayflower first saw land, and its
subsequent course. Nickerson concludes with "the Landfall and the Landing." Of
great significance is his map, The Back Side of Cape Cod Today - 1930 and
Yesterday - 1620.
The Mayflower Secret By Dave and Neta Jackson,
Illustrations by Julian Jackson (Trailblazer Books)
Bethany House Publishers,
© 1998
This is classified as Juvenile historical fiction. Elizabeth Tilley was left
an orphan at age 14, when her parents died the first winter. She married John
Howland in 1623. The author states that "while the events surrounding the
disappearance and presumed drowning of Dorothy Bradford are true, Elizabeth
Tilley's involvement and the subsequent secret are entirely fictional."
Recommended for ages 8-12.
N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims By Robert San Souci
Chronical Books,
© 1945, © 1991
In 1940, N.C. Wyeth painted a series of murals about the Pilgrims for New
York's Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Fourteen were completed before
Wyeth's death in a car accident in 1945. Wyeth's paintings were idyllic and
exhibited a highly romanticized vision of Pilgrim life. These murals have been
reproduced in picture-book format. Using primary sources, San Souci's text was
well researched, accurate and packed with information that tends to balance
any of Wyeth's historical inaccuracies such as hat buckles, starched collars,
western Indians. The book was dedicated to "the Schoolteachers of America."
The endpapers of the book are copies of the Mayflower's original passenger
list, courtesy of the Plimoth Plantation. Whether you are an art lover or/and
a historian this is another excellent book to add to your library.
Navigation; In the Age of Discovery, An Introduction
By Duane A. Cline Published by Montfleury, Inc. © 1990.
Printed by Heritage Press
The author introduces the reader to the fascinating study of navigation
techniques and instruments employed by the first explorers and settlers of the
North American continent. He uses the sailing of Mayflower in 1620 as an
example of one historic voyages as a theoretical example. The ship masters and
navigators were far more skilled and knowledgeable than we realize.
The New Americans; Colonial Times * 1620-1689 By
Betsy Maestro. Illustrated by Giulio Maestro Lothrop, Lee & Shepard
Books * Morrow, N.Y. © 1998
"The New Americans tells the story of the origins of our rich multicultural
heritage. ... Traces the competition among the American Indians, French,
English, Spanish and Dutch for land, furs, timber and other resources of North
America."
New England Frontier: Puritans and Indians, 1620-1675
By Alden T. Vaughan; paperback
"In contrast to most accounts of Puritan-Indian relations, the first two
generations of Puritan settlers were neither generally hostile toward their
Indian neighbors nor indifferent to their territorial rights ... peaceful and
equitable relations was sought."
The author, Alden T. Vaughan "is a leading authority on Puritan-Indian
relations from the landing of the Mayflower through King Philip's War."
However at times he seems to use the word "Puritan" to describe both. Good
historical research is presented using primary sources.
New England's Prospect By William Wood,
Alden T. Vaughan (editor) Reprint edition paperback published by University of
Massachusetts Press, Publication date: March 1994
Originally published in London in 1634. Firsthand information for prospective
colonists. Part 1: descriptions of New England's natural environment with
meticulous accounts of existing settlements and advise on provisions for the
long sea journey. Part 2: glimpses of daily life and details the indigenous
Indian tribes.
New England Time Line; A Concise Guide to the Region's
History By Ron McAdow Nutshell Books, © 1991
"The purpose of New England Timeline is to provide a framework for
understanding the region's history. It is intended to complement visits to
historic sites by offering context, and to help travelers gain a general sense
of New England's past."
On the Mayflower: Voyage of the Ship's Apprentice & A
Passenger Girl By Kate Waters, Russ Kendall (Illustrator) Scholastic
© 1966
A 12-year-old apprentice and an 8-year-old passenger experience the 1620
voyage of the Mayflower. Photographed in full color on board the Mayflower II.
Pilgrims; Complete Theme Unit Developed in Cooperation
With Pilgrim Hall Museum By Susan Moger
Learning Connections -- Grades K-3 Scholastic Professional Books,
© 1995
Consists of four parts: Getting to Know the Pilgrims; Settling in Plymouth;
Good Neighbors (Wampanoags); and Harvest Home.
Excellent material for teachers to use. Scholastic grants teachers permission
to photocopy activity pages for classroom use. Includes a big, full-color
Mayflower cut-away poster (inside and outside the Mayflower). Available
through Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 (508)
746-1620
Peanut-Butter Pilgrims By Judy Delton. Illustated by Alan
Tiegreen (A Pee Wee Scouts series) A Yearling Book
Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. © 1988
"As Thanksgiving rolls around, the Pee Wee Scouts get ready to celebrate. They
make food baskets for the poor and they visit a turkey farm. At the townhall,
they even perform a play."
The Pilgrims, A Big Book © 1996 by Scholastic
Inc. Cover illustration by Carolyn Croll, border design by Bari Weissman ISBN
0-590-99999-0
This is one of the "Big Book Magazine" issues. It can be ordered for the
classroom with a "Magazine" and "Teacher's Edition" Recommended for the
primary grades. An excellent study unit with many activities.
The Pilgrims By R. Conrad Stein Corner
Stones of Freedom series Childrens Press, Chicago. © 1995
Beginning with a brief description of the Separatist Movement it continues
with the Pilgrims journey to Holland and on to New England. There is a
Glossary and TimeLine. "This is an excellent book at a very reasonable
price -- $4.95. It is complete with numerous illustrations and classic
paintings. The narrative is quite complete and historically accurate. You will
not be disappointed to add this book to your collection."
Pilgrims & Adventurers; Essex (England) and the Making of the United
States of America By J.R. Smith Essex Record Office -- Pub. 118
Chelmsford, England, 1992. Available from the NEHGR
The author's objective is to give a brief introduction to a fascinating, but
under-researched field of study which is sufficient to underline the crucial
impact of Essex people on the founding and shaping of the colonies which were
to become the United States of America. He believes that it will have served a
useful purpose if it stimulates interest and further research on both sides of
the Atlantic.
Pilgrim Voices: Our First Year in the New World Edited by Connie
and Peter Roop Illustrated by Shelley Pritchett Walker Publishing Co. Inc.,
© 1995
Weaving together excerpts from actual Pilgrim diaries, an eyewitness account
of their voyage to the new world and harrowing first year introduces young
readers to the hardships under which they survived. They have selected
passages from William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation and Mourt's Relation
to tell the Pilgrims' story from their departure from Holland in August 1620
until the arrival of the Fortune in November 1621. In between are the familiar
tales of hardship, encounters with native populations, and the feast of
thanksgiving. Spelling and punctuation are modern, and some of the language
has been altered for clarity, but the unmistakable cadences of King James's
English roll from the pages, their dignity and power intact. ... In Bradford's
famous "... so the light kindled here."
VIDEOS
The Making of a Colony
The video tells the story of the beginnings of Plymouth Colony through
eyewitness accounts and dramatic recreations of these primary sources and
modern narration, viewers are invited to follow the English settlers, who
later came to be called Pilgrims, through their journey from England and
Holland to America; their difficult first winter; the treaty with the Native
People and their first successful harvest. Suggested for ages 8 to 15.
Approximate time 15 minutes. $14.95
Order from Plimoth Plantation: 1-800-262-9356 ext. 332
The Mayflower Pilgrims: This Is Their Story
Produced by PA Communications. © 1995 Produced and directed
by Peter Conner and Alan Mumby 43 minutes
(The following information is from video jacket and The General Society of
Mayflower Descendants.) "Toward the end of the 16th century, in a quiet
corner of England, well away from the mainstream of Elizabethan life, an
apparently insignificant religious movement emerged. It was composed of a
small band of largely anonymous people who believed in a simple form of
worship, away from the ritualized trappings of the established Church of the
day. These people were known as Separatists.
No one then could possibly have guessed what a huge impact
these faithful Christians would have on world history. But when, in 1620,
after years of sacrifice and hardship, they arrived on the shores of the New
World in a tiny ship, they carried in their hearts a set of beliefs which
would form the bedrock values for the world's most powerful democracy...
America, a nation engendered by the idea of freedom, and expression, of
religious belief. History has given these remarkable people a name... the
Mayflower Pilgrims."
Order from Mayflower Families Library; P.O. Box 3297; Plymouth, MA 02361
(508) 746-5058 -- Tapes: $18 plus $1.50 shipping and handling. Three or more
tapes $15 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling.
The Mayflower's Story Produced by Yesterday's
News
"The Mayflower's Story" is a brief, but comprehensive review of the Pilgrims
journey from England to the New World. Combining artwork with video taken at
historic sites, Jim and Laura Scott Lowell provide a concise look at the
hardships and challenges that faced the Pilgrims. Both the content and length
of the video make it particularly valuable for use in schools, as well as a
gift for children and grandchildren."
-- From the Mayflower Quarterly
Cost: $15, which includes shipping and handling. Please make checks payable
to GSMD, PO Box 3297, Plymouth, MA 02361.
Mouse on the Mayflower © 1966 by Videocraft
International, Ltd.
This video is usually shown on television during the holiday season. It also
is often listed as one of the items children can purchase through school book
programs, such as Scholastic for about $8. This American classic tale
"provides a delightful lesson in our nation's early history. Along with a
furry hero, kids will join the colonists as they cross the Atlantic, survive
the harsh New England winter, befriend the Indians, and finally sit down to
this country's very first Thanksgiving dinner." Cartoon format -- told and
sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford; Eddie Albert as Captain Standish; John Gary as
John Alden; and Joanie Sommers as Priscilla Mullens. Approximate running time:
48 minutes.
Operation Mayflower: Building the Mayflower II
Produced by Carborunoum, Film Unit, Manchester, England
A few years ago the General Society of Mayflower Descendants was given a film
taken during the construction of Mayflower II in England. It was copied to
video tape and offered for purchase by interested members. It is an
informative and interesting film and is well worth viewing. Approximately 15
minutes.
The Pilgrims of Plimoth From the book "The
Pilgrims of Plimoth" © 1986 by Marcia Sewall Weston Woods The Pilgrims
of Plimoth describes the settlement of the pilgrims in America. The story
begins with the pilgrims leaving England and setting sail for America. The
hardships of the trip and the initial difficulties of life in America are
described. As the story continues, we learn about the pilgrims' first meeting
with Native Americans, the daily activities of the pilgrims, and the need for
basic laws, and rules necessary to govern the first settlement. The remainder
outlines the division of labor among men, women and children. Finally, it is
made clear that although the journey from England to America and the process
of settling in a new country was extremely difficult, the pilgrims were
convinced that the peace and freedom the new country offered them made it all
worthwhile."
Available from Listening Library, 800-243-4504. Cost: $59.98
27 minutes.
Plimoth Plantation A VideoTours, Inc. Production,
© 1989
"The year 1627 lives forever at Plimoth Plantation. In this Plimoth Plantation
video, you'll learn first hand the stories of the men and women who settled in
the New World. You'll also visit the Wampanoags, whose help was essential to
the colonists' survival." Approximately 30 minutes.
Available from Plimoth Plantation.
Plymouth Colony: First Year Revised. Coronet
films. Evanston Public Schools, Evanston, Illinois
The film begins with the Separatists in England. Their sojourn to Holland and
finally their decision to go to the New World. Their experiences of their
first year at Plimoth is historically portrayed.
Squanto and the First Thanksgiving Rabbit Ears
Productions, Inc., © 1993 Music by Paul McCandless Paintings
by Michael Donato Written by Eric Metaxas
Grahame Greene narrates this true story about a Native American sold into
slavery in Spain. Years later he returns and teaches the Pilgrims how to
survive the difficult first years at the Plymouth colony. Approximately 30
minutes. Ages 5 and up.
Available from Listening Library, 800-243-4504 Cost $9.98.
SIMULATION
SOFTWARE
PilgrimQuest is
an educational simulation/strategy game for children 9 and older
that lets you join the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and live in the Plymouth
Plantation. Published by
the Decision Development Corp. 2680 Bishop Drive Suite 122
San Ramon, CA 94583 Phone 1-800-835-4332 for current price listing.
PilgrimQuest was co-developed with the National Geographic Society. For
further information, enter "PilgrimQuest" into a search engine on the web
(such as Google).
