PLYMOUTH, Mass. – A recreated 17th century oven and other added amenities will transform the Plimoth Plantation. Construction has begun to renovate and expand the living history museum’s Craft Center and add the new Plimoth Baking Co.
Museum officials expect the renovations to conclude in early July. The Craft Center’s new exhibit, the Plimoth Baking Co., will feature a wood-fired oven that allows guests to watch demonstration of 17th century baking techniques. Afterwards, visitors can also taste the freshly baked bread and other goods created by the museum’s artisan baker.
“Plimoth Baking Co. is central to achieving this museum’s vision of an innovative, self-supporting historical Crafts, Trades and Domestic Skills program,” said Ellie Donovan, executive director at Plimoth Plantation. “The Craft Center’s highly-skilled artisans are helping to preserve our nation’s intangible culture by researching, reviving, preserving and teaching historical technologies.”
A master mason completed the hand-built oven on April 18. The mason enchased the traditional dome-shaped clay oven with 100-year-old bricks salvaged from the renovation of the building.
The Craft Center’s other improvements include refurbishing the first floor space, new plumbing and installation of new mechanical systems. Workers will also construct a pavilion overlooking the 17th century English Village and Cape Cod Bay.
The additions to the Craft Center will help Plimoth Plantation to recreate the look and feel of the 17th century Plymouth Colony. The Smithsonian-affiliated site relates the history of the colony from the perspective of the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag people.
For more information, visit www.plimoth.org.
