Plimoth Patuxet Museums begins construction of Indigenous program support building

Plymouth, MA Plimoth Patuxet Museums has begun construction on a new program support building for the Historic Patuxet Homesite. The behind-the-scenes building will provide expanded operational capacity for public history educators and culture-keepers. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024.

“We’re excited to be moving forward with this project,” said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth Patuxet Museums executive director. “This new program support building will help create an even more engaging experience for the many audiences we serve. We are thankful to the Indigenous staff whose input and guidance are essential, and to the generous donors who support the museum’s Indigenous exhibits and programs.”

The groundbreaking for the project comes in the 50^th anniversary year of the Wampanoag Indigenous Program, illuminating a legacy of introducing Indigenous history and culture to visitors from around the U.S. and the world. Fundraising was recently completed for this new building. ConServ of Plymouth was selected as general contractor, along with design partner Amory Architects of Duxbury. Architectural plans, building design, and the construction process have taken into consideration the archaeology of the site and the surrounding landscape. The new building is located at the museum’s main campus, adjacent to the Historic Patuxet Homesite.

The Indigenous program support building is part of a larger project referred to as “A Bridge to the Future.” Fundraising is underway for a new exhibition building featuring an amphitheater that will take visitors from the traditional environment of the Historic Patuxet Homesite to the present-day.

Brad Lopes (Aquinnah Wampanoag), Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ director of Wampanoag and Indigenous interpretation and training, expressed the importance and vision of the new buildings in enhancing the Museum’s aim to expand its educational mission and deliver an exceptional visitor experience. “I’m delighted we’re making this investment in the future of the Museum and its mission, and grateful to the community of supporters who are making this vision a reality.” 

The new building will enable museum staff, as well as a variety of guest speakers, performers, scholars, storytellers and artisans, to tell the history of profound change and cultural persistence over the past 400+ years in this ancient Indigenous homeland of the Northeast woodlands and coast. Investment in this essential building is an institutional priority as the Museum continues its work to provide an inclusive and engaging space for underrepresented voices.