Lunch & Learn: From Compact to Constitution

From Compact to Constitution: Protecting American Democracy by Protecting America’s Memory

As Americans, we need to look backward together, in order to move forward as one. There is much that we can learn from Plymouth Colony – about civil engagement, civility within that engagement, the rule of the law, consensus building and compromise, and the responsibilities of citizens in a representative democracy. Civics and History education is the foundation of that knowledge and understanding. Humanities protect our humanity.

When asked, “Why is history important?” Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Bernard Bailyn said, “It’s a form of sanity. If you had no personal memory you would have no sense of your world. And similarly, if we have no public awareness we’ve lost our understanding of how we got to be the way we are, and hence our understanding of who we are. History gives us context, so we know where we’ve been and can see where we might go.”

Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and taking advantage of how anniversaries can be moments of reflection as well as celebration, the Texas Mayflower Society's From Compact to Constitution Project (six short films and teaching materials produced by Plimoth Patuxet Museums) helps learners understand how 17th-century colonial experiments in building communities, legislatures, courts, and creating citizen soldiers were the experiences that later fueled the love of freedom in the Founding Fathers (and Founding Mothers) at the time of the American Revolution. Knowing those 17th-century experiences, living their legacy, gave them the tools they needed for building a new democracy after the decisive Battle of Yorktown (1781). Today, we must reignite their spirit and skill set. The films and accompanying teacher materials represent an era when government was truly “We the people” and “of the people, by the people, for the people” when a participatory and educated citizenry was expected. Face-to-face not screen-to-screen.

The From Compact to Constitution Project helps learners across a variety of ages and learning environments engage in informed civil discourse as our forebears once did. The learning tools are classical in their inspiration and delivery, leading not to knee jerk reactions of “This is how this makes me feel” but the richer, deeper “This is how this makes me think.”

Deputy Executive Director and Senior Historian, Richard Pickering will lead a screening of all six films: What is Sovereignty? Whereas You Are To Become A Civil Body Politic, The Mayflower Compact: The Original Social Contract, Establishing the Rule of Law: Four Innovative Law Codes, The United Colonies of New England, and The General Fundamentals. He will also provide background on the educational materials for the films and the From Compact to Constitution website hosted by the Texas Mayflower Society.

Speaker Bio:

Richard is the Deputy Executive Director and Senior
Historian at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. He has been
with the Museum for more than 40 years and has served as a historical role player, research associate, Director of Education and Director of Special Projects. He studied English and American Studies in graduate programs at Bridgewater State University, the College of William and Mary, and the University of Connecticut. Richard oversees the Museum’s ongoing research as well as educational and theatrical programs. He has spoken at the United Nations and Smithsonian National Museum of American History and has appeared on NPR, PBS, History Channel, NECN, NBC News, ABC’s The Chew, and Martha Stewart Living Radio. He also worked on Ric Burns’ film The Pilgrims for American Experience.

Options for online and in-person available.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Plymouth Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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FAQs

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact Christina Basler, Director of Guest Services and Group Programs, at (508) 746-1622 ext. 8107 or by emailing [email protected], with any questions or if you would like to purchase tickets over the phone.

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What can I bring into the event?

You may bring a bagged lunch or snack to enjoy while you experience the lecture series. Our Plentiful Café is open from March 14 to November 29. Lunch is not included in the ticket price.

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You do not have to bring your printed ticket to the event. You may give your name to the Event Facilitator at check-in.

What's the cancellation/refund policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your event program, please contact Christina Basler, Director of Guest Services and Group Programs, at 508-746-1622, ext. 8107 or via email, [email protected], as soon as possible, within the following time frames:

At least two weeks withdrawal notice is required for a full refund.

No refund or credit will be received, when given less than 7 days notice, for cancellation or reschedule; all sales are final.

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Host or Publisher Plimoth Patuxet: Commemorating 400 Years 1620-2020