Origins of The Mayflower Compact

The Mayflower Compact planted the seeds that guided our nation on its path to a constitutional government and American democracy. The Compact evolved from centuries of English history honed by the Pilgrims’ extensive experiences in communal self-government and religious freedom.

The Mayflower Compact was important because it was the first document to establish self-government in the New World. Written and signed aboard the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor November 11, 1620 prior to its landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts, it remained active until 1691 when Plymouth Colony became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Fran is a descendant of Mayflower passengers, Elder William Brewster and Peregrine White. He and his wife Dorothy are the authors of Pilgrims, Puritans, and Early Cape Cod History which is also a class that Fran teaches for the Academy of Life Long Learning at Cape Cod Community College.  In addition, they have written a number of articles appearing in publications including the Journal of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society, Elder William Brewster Press, Cape newspapers, and historical societies.

Free with Museum Admission

For more information please call the Museum at 508-896-3867 ext. 133.