The Pilgrim Society held its first meeting after incorporation in the
Court House in Plymouth on May 18th, 1820, and elected Mr. Joshua Thomas
its first president. It was the result of a previous meeting of Plymouth
gentlemen at the home of Mr. Thomas, who were inspired with a desire to
perpetuate the memory of the first settlers.
Four years later the original home of the society was erected upon its
present location and upon plans of Alexander Parris, architect of the
Boston Cathedral of St. Paul. This building as before stated was
remodeled in 1880 and the wing which now houses the library and other
Pilgrimiana was added in 1904. The present granite facade was a gift of
the New England Society in New York in 1922.
Across the street from Pilgrim Hall and a little to the north is the
Armory previously referred to, while a few steps beyond is St. Peter’s
Catholic Church. At this point on the east side of Court Street is the
Plymouth Memorial Building, also previously described. This building
stands on the lot formerly occupied by the colonial residence built in
1809 by Major William Hammett and later and for many years occupied by
Mr. Thomas Hedge and family. When the erection of the Memorial Building
was decided upon, this house was moved back and now faces Water Street
and the harbor. It is reminiscent of the early 19th century and is
maintained and kept open to visitors during the summer by the Plymouth
Antiquarian Society.