Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum is located in Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands. It is a small museum commemorating the Pilgrim Fathers. These English Calvinist refugees lived in Leiden for about 12 years before setting sail for the New World on the Mayflower in 1620. Their first harvest celebration after arriving in the New World later became the annual Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum is housed in a building originally constructed between 1365 and 1370, which is also the oldest surviving building in Leiden. Established in 1997, the museum aims to reveal "the myth behind the Pilgrim Fathers" and is operated by the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum Foundation. It is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday (1 PM to 5 PM).

The exhibits at the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum — including antique furniture, decorations, and household items — vividly recreate the lives of the Pilgrims in Leiden. Within the two rooms and one half-basement currently open to visitors, many interesting items can be found. For example, in the half-basement, there's a “food plate” on the table, un-wobbling triangular chairs, foldable chairs used for church, and a pig-shaped money box. In the room leading to the half-basement, there are beds, a cradle, and various ancient books. In another room, you’ll find a fireplace, specially shaped holes in the walls, and porcelain from China. Additionally, the rooms are brightened with colorful flowers, adding charm to the historic setting.

Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

Why Go: The oldest surviving building in Leiden

Continent: Europe

Country/Region: Netherlands

Province/State: South Holland

City: Leiden