Tags
17 century lifestyle, 17th century antiques, 17th century Dutch interiors, Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, Netherlands, Pilgrims in the Netherlands, Thanksgiving, Vermeer
Leiden American Pilgrim Museum
Netherlands
Located in the oldest house in Leiden, built in 1375, it was opened in 1997 by
American Dr. Jeremy Bangs and is furnished with typical pieces from the
17th century. It is a living museum. Visitors can pick up cutlery, open cabinets
and sit in chairs. The characteristically cool northern light that drifts in through
the multipaned windows and settles shadows behind the collected objects
is reminiscent of 17th century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
In the 17th century Leiden was a city of refugees and tolerant to different religious beliefs.
It was here that a small group of Calvinists (about a 100), separating from the Church of England,
fled to avoid religious persecution in 1609, 11 years before sailing on the Mayflower to Plymouth
and celebrating their first Thanksgiving in 1621.
The Milkmaid
c. 1658-1660
Over the fireplace a portrait of Edward Winslow, one of the passengers
aboard the Mayflower and subsequent Governor of Plymouth Colony…
Raised bed built into a recess with warming pan hanging to the side…
Nursing chair to the left of fireplace…
First person account of first Thanksgiving 1621 in Mourt’s Relation by Edward Winslow
“our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others. And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie.”
*
I am so thankful for those who strive to protect our past so we can walk through it,
touch it and hear the echoes of essential human thoughts coalesced through time.
We are not alone. We have the combined experience of generations before us. We sit
at the Thanksgiving table with all our connections, and centuries old traces of the
men and women that moved us to this place. We are all part of a pilgrim’s passage.
Happy Thanksgiving
*
Follow the pilgrim’s footsteps in Leiden here
World of Interiors Dec. ’08
photography Huntley Hedworth
I got a little misty on this… Thank you, Trish. Happy Thankgiving.
Trish,
Wonderful! I learned something that I didn’t not know! I had never heard about that Pilgrim’s house!
Thank you for sharing!
Greet
Wonderful story Trish! I love your site. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
There’s nothing I love more than classic Dutch kitchens! Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello,
i have the article also at home, and little gem.
Thanks for sharing.
David
These pictures are so beautiful that it almost hurts … Thank you for showing them!
Peace & Love
Agneta
I love this Trish…thank you for telling this story A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Many blessings…
Renae
xx
Beautiful photographs and informative and meaningful post as well. Happy Thanksgiving Trish….
I’m grateful for our blogging friendship and all that you share!
🙂 Laura
how fantastic to actually stand in a room and handle the objects rather than stand behind a rope with your hands behind your back. fascinating post trish!
A lovely memory of that time…Thanks for the enlightening tome! Me, I’m stuffed. I feel like I ATE A deere!!!
Big day tomorrow I can’t believe I’m still up….
Wonderful story !! you are right we have to be thankful for the ones who protect our past
this is amazing – it is exactly like a Vermeer. Beautifully written, you are the best!
Joni
The 17th century is my favourite period in history, I love your photographs, and have a question. I note in one photo, a carpet on a table and also one on the floor next to it. Weren’t “Turkey carpets” in the 17th century used only on tables, except by the very rich? We have a 17th century style room in our home. I wanted to put a small carpet on the floor, but everything I read said that floor carpets weren’t common until the 18th century. Have you information saying otherwise? Dank u!