A look at what’s in store for the new season
By K. David Weidner, Ph.D., Executive Director
The wait is over. As the calendar turns to April, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (PMPM) opens our doors on Saturday, April 1 for the 2023 season. As a give-back to the Provincetown community, admission for opening day is FREE. Please join us as we usher in spring and this exciting time of year for Cape Cod. The return of warmer weather brings with it an influx of visitors eager to experience our beautiful and welcoming shores and a new chance for our team at PMPM to share our mission of TRUTH: Tolerance | Respect | Unity | Trust | Her-His-Their-Story.
In 2022, school children from around the region and visitors from all over the world came to lay eyes on the first landing spot of the Mayflower and to learn more about the Pilgrims’ actual first encounter with the region’s original inhabitants, the Wampanoag Tribe. This year, visitors can continue to explore the true narrative surrounding the complex relationship between the two groups with the Our Story exhibit and witness a new history that continues to unfold: that of an eclectic, and accepting, Cape Cod town. If you’ve not yet seen it for yourself, we encourage you to book your trip today and dive into the recent past with our newest exhibit, An Anecdotal LGBTQ+ History of the Last Century of Provincetown, curated by The Generations Project.
Advancing Accessibility and Acceptance
Our new ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) inclined elevator stands ready to uplift visitors on the scenic ride to the top of High Pole Hill, as the season begins. And, as in years past, our efforts to spread awareness, acceptance and positive change will be visible across the skyline. After all, acceptance is a founding pillar of Provincetown, and we will continue to use the Monument as a symbol of our town and a means to shine a light on important issues.
Arts and Activities
In partnership with the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), the 2023 Juried Art Exhibition is now on display. 160 pieces were submitted from members of PMPM and PAAM. The selected works were curated by Sarah Johnson, Ph.D., executive director and curator of The Cahoon Museum of American Art. The exhibition will kick off with a reception to honor the selected pieces on PMPM’s opening day: Saturday, April 1, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., 1 High Pole Road, Provincetown. Can’t make it to the reception? Don’t worry. The Juried Art Exhibition will be on display in PMPM’s East Gallery for the duration of the 2023 season.
The local community is invited to join us on April 2, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. for the 5th Annual Spring Celebration and Egg Hunt. This annual event, co-sponsored with the Provincetown Recreation Department, Provincetown PTA and Seashore Pointe, brings children of all ages to the Monument to hunt for eggs. Prizes will be awarded by the Recreation Department including a commemorative PMPM-branded wooden egg available to each participating family. To sign up, please click here. This event was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 1, and was moved due to the weather forecast for Saturday.
The Foundation of Support
We cannot wait to see you during the 2023 season! Thanks to your generous support, the Museum and grounds have recently undergone numerous updates, including parking and ticketing systems advancements, in addition to the construction of the new inclined elevator.
As a non-profit organization, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum depends on your generous support. Make plans today to visit the Museum and bring your family and friends! Each visitor who walks through our doors helps make preserving history, TRUTH and equality a reality.
It’s not too late to become a member for the 2023 season. Members enjoy free admission to PMPM, including use of the inclined elevator, discounts in the Museum gift shop and invitations to exclusive PMPM events.