Pilgrim Memorial
Plymouth, MA

Original Architect
McKim, Mead and White (completed 1931)

Building owner
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

In collaboration with

• Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, architects
• Massachusettes Department of Conservation and Recreation

Building description
The smallest park in the Massachusetts state forest and park system, Pilgrim Memorial is also the most heavily visited. Nearly one million people a year come from all over the world to visit the town where in 1620 Europeans first made a home in new England and to see Plymouth Rock where the passengers on the Mayflower first set foot in the New World. This simple memorial shore of Plymouth Harbor has become a world famous symbol of the courage and faith of the men and women who founded the first New England colony.
The portico, designed by McKim, Mead and White, is comprised of granite columns, iron beams and a Guastavino-tile vault.

Scope of work

• A complete inspection of the Guastavino vault was completed. Access to the underside of the vaults was achieved using a Genie lift, which was maneuvered between the columns of the monument.
• Attention was also payed to the surrounding granite cornice, columns, parapet and to the rubber membrane roof.