As New England marks this year the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower, join us for a workshop on William Bradford’s journal, “Of Plimoth Plantation.” Bradford was a Mayflower passenger and the longest-serving governor of Plymouth Colony. He maintained a journal that documented events in the colony from 1608 to 1647.  You’ll hear the story of Plymouth Colony and the surprising story of the manuscript itself, and then receive a tutorial on how to read early 17th century handwriting. It is easier than you might think!  Finally, we’ll work through selected passages from Bradford’s journal, and together experience the satisfaction of reading and understanding a 400-year-old handwritten manuscript.  Passages include: the first encounters with the natives, the origins of the the Mayflower Compact, the sickness and death of the first winter, and the first bountiful harvest the following year.

Presented by Robert Cameron Weir.  “Rob” is a professional genealogist in Dover, New Hampshire. He is a 12th generation New Englander with 16 years’ experience in genealogical research.  Rob has a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education and am a member of the Association for Professional Genealogists.  He is also a 1991 graduate of Harvard College.