Plymouth's 400th Anniversary

Minutes of Public Meetings of the Plymouth 2020 Committee: 2009

MINUTES
Meeting of the Plymouth 400th Committee
Monday, June 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the offices of Plymouth Rock Studios, Cordage Park, North Plymouth

Committee members present: Peter Gomes, chair; Kathy Babini; Jim Baker; Peg Baker; Ben Brewster; Tamson Burgess; Paul Cripps; Rodney Randy Joseph; David Kirkpatrick; John Mahoney; Gary Marks; John McDonagh; Enzo Monti; Monica Mullin, for Terry Murray; Paula Peters; Ed Santos; Ken Tavares; Patrick O’Brien.
Absent: Paul Bumpus; Tom Calter (exc.); Vinny deMacedo; Ellie Donovan; Butch Machado.
Guests: Darcy Lee, Mark Sylvia.

Peter Gomes opened the meeting at 6:55 pm.
New committee members John Mahoney, representative of the Plymouth Board of Selectmen, and Ben Brewster were welcomed as were invited guests Darcy Lee and Mark Sylvia. Other invited guests (John Talcott, Melissa Arrighi and Brian Alosi) were unable to attend.

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as written.

2020 CALENDAR AND FOCAL POINTS
At the direction of the committee, the smaller executive group (Peter Gomes, Jim Baker, Peg Baker, John McDonagh & Ken Tavares) met Monday, May 25, 2009, at the home of Peter Gomes. The group recommended to the full committee that there be four large ceremonial events that fall under the aegis of the Plymouth 400th Committee.
1. The official celebration, to begin with an event in November of 2019.
2. The “centerpiece” event, to which the president and the queens will be invited, to be August 1, 2020.
3. The final large national event to be scheduled in November of 2020.
4. Forefathers Day 2020, which will serve as the “Town finale” and wrap-up event.
Around each of these 4 dates, some significant event will be planned.
The beginning event, in November of 2019, should be both solemn and festive. Gary Marks will be asked to work on formulating this event.

There will be, in additional, a number of other significant focal points that will involve events of various durations. These should be scheduled around the 4 large ceremonial events. A subcommittee should be formed for each of these with a designated liaison to the Plymouth 400th Committee. These focal points will include:
1. The Old Colony (other towns, the Cape)
2. The Wampanoag
3. Immigration (Peg Baker will investigate how “swearing-in” ceremonies are scheduled)
4. Mayflower II sail
5. Women’s history in honor of the 100th anniversary of female suffrage in America
6. The graduating class of 2020 (currently 1st graders) and the involvement of schools
7. The Mayflower Society and its 2020 Congress.

Peter reviewed the rationale for the calendar: a full 18 months would be too diffuse, using Thanksgiving as beginning and ending markers uses the natural time when the Pilgrim story is of highest interest. Jim Baker explained the rationale for choosing August 1st as the central date: it is not only during the time of year when people are most able to travel to Plymouth, but it is the (corrected for calendar change) date when the Pilgrims embarked from Holland and the “adventure” officially began, and it is a date that has been celebrated in the past in Plymouth as early as 1853 and was the occasion of the presidential visit in 1920. In 2020, it is also a Saturday.

Paula Peters noted that the “Class of 2020” was a great way to involve the community. Kathy Babini reported on the status of the 2009 1st grade project. Kathy has personally visited 8 of Plymouth’s 1st grades to introduce the system-wide project. There will be a special focus for the children each year until 2020, by then each student will have a portfolio. This year’s focus was “Plymouth is a special place” (the children identified their own special places and created art work). Next year, as second graders, the theme will be on immigration and family trees. David Kirkpatrick offered that a video component would be a good add-on, perhaps following some children all the way through until 2020. Paula Peters suggested a scholarship(s) might be presented at convocation in 2020 and said a concept should be developed that could be presented to corporations. Another initiative should be to make sure that all Plymouth schoolchildren get to their own local historical sites. The other benefit of the “Class of 2020” project is that it shows that there are events and outreach to everyone in town. Tamson Burgess suggested that we plan on using the “down time” in winter for adult education and lecture series. John McDonagh reminded the committee that we should plan on participating in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the mall; both as pre-publicity and to lessen the strain on local resources, it might be preferable to aim for the 2019 festival. The committee was also reminded to be mindful of election cycles and how they will impact activities in 2020.

Peter Gomes reported that he has recently spoken both at the Museum in Fine Arts and at the Massachusetts Historical Society and that both organization wish to host a significant event, an exhibition or gathering of some sort, in conjunction with 2020.

It was suggested that there be a Cape representative to sit on the 2020 committee. Peggy Baker reported that she and Peter Gomes have been in touch with Ron Nickerson from the Chatham Historical Society, which did a large bicultural celebration in 2005 (400th anniversary of the Champlain voyage). Peg & Jim Baker will be going to the Cape in September, at Ron’s invitation, to tour Pilgrim sites. The Cape & Islands Historical Society will be visiting Pilgrim Hall in early November and Peg Baker will be talking to them, among other things, about 2020 at that time.

A question was asked regarding the status of the State Commission. Peter Gomes has recently met with the Governor who seems interested but not yet fully engaged. Through Senator Murray’s office, the Governor’s office has asked if Peter Gomes will do the outreach necessary to form the committee. Peter has agreed to do so with the understanding that the Governor will then swear in the assembled committee in a very public fashion. Rodney Joseph pointed out the need for publicity and suggested adding in the Class of 2020 kids, perhaps with a proclamation from the Selectmen, to create a splash that would raise the profile of both the local committee and the state commission. Paula Peters suggested that the representative from the Indian Commissioners be chosen after consultation with the Commissioner.

Paula Peters noted that 2020 will be the 150th anniversary of Mashpee; Peter said that event can definitely be incorporated. Paula also noted that Plimoth Plantation is doing a multiyear calendar leading up to 2020, it will include sending a Native representative to Europe to recall Squanto’s time on that continent. Paula is soon going to Bermuda which is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year; she will collect information on the nature of their celebration.

Enzo Monti was concerned about the gap between November 2019 and August 2020. He feels, and Peg Baker agreed, that we need an event in the spring that “belongs” to the Plymouth 400th Committee that will launch the season. Ken Tavares suggested tying in to the corn planting. Peter suggested that Enzo Monti and Ken Tavares, together, work up an idea.

Peter Gomes also asked Gary Marks to begin thinking and consulting about assembling a wide range of clergy for the November 2019 kick-off event. Gary agreed.

It was moved & VOTED, without dissent, to accept the broad outline of the 2020 calendar of celebration as written.

FUNDRAISING PROPOSAL: PRESENTATION BY FUND-RAISING CONSULTANT DARCY LEE
Darcy Lee, Principal & CEO of Alden Charles Associates, introduced herself to the committee (many of whom have worked with Darcy previously). Darcy is a seasoned development professional with 18 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and manager, fundraiser, government aide, media relations specialist and event planner. She is an active community member and a resident of Plymouth, MA.

As a fundraising consultant, her role is to provide leadership, management and strategic development of and for all aspects of fundraising and capital campaigns; to impart knowledge gained from years of experience overseeing fundraising programs, capital campaigns and volunteers, along with experience working with high level donors, boards and staff; to analyze data and evaluate systems in order to provide recommendations and strategies for nonprofits to operate in the most efficient and effective ways possible; to provide tools for nonprofit leadership in the form of strategic plans, feasibility studies, campaign plans, development plans and research; and to possess a keen understanding of industry trends and how they relate to local organizations and their service to their communities.

Darcy presented a proposal in which, as fundraising counsel to “2020 Starts Now,” the independent 501c3 that supports the work of the Plymouth 400th Committee, she would develop a survey and needs assessment; write grants and solicit foundation, corporate and government prospects for start-up funding; create a development plan; develop a mission and case statement; and research, cultivate and solicit viable prospects (individual, foundation, corporate and government) as appropriate.

In the next 18 months, she would provide initial prospect research, identify prospects, submit letters of request and intent, write and submit proposals; analyze processes, develop a mission statement and create a needs assessment; and create and submit a development plan and case statement. The members of the Plymouth 400th Committee would be expected to participate in carrying out Plymouth 400’s planning, promote a positive endorsement of the project to the community at large; prioritize Plymouth 400 as highly (or higher) than other organizations where they are involved; contribute to Plymouth 400; and initiate advice and counsel to help Plymouth 400 meet and exceed its overall and fundraising goals.

Darcy also proposed a plan of work, and a plan for reimbursal for her services and asked everyone to review her proposal.

Peter Gomes asked John McDonagh to report at this point on the status of the 501c3 organization. Incorporation should be complete this week; it will take an additional 2 to 3 months for federal recognition (through Form 1023 which needs some additional work). Peter noted that by retaining the services of Darcy Lee as a true professional, we will of necessity become more clear and more precise and reminded the committee that this project will require a great deal of work by everyone on the committee. John and Ken Tavares have met with Richard Sgarzi about establishing a banking relationship with Rockland Trust, we await their decision.

Rodney Joseph asked Darcy’s opinion about avenues of visibility. Darcy said that branding is an early and absolutely vital step. As time goes on, she sees increasing opportunities for media events. Anytime any member of this committee speaks in any capacity, their role as a member of the Plymouth 400 committee should be noted. Paula Peters asked Darcy to expand on her idea of branding – Darcy said she wouldn’t do the branding personally but would identify the need and establish a working committee. Paula suggested the idea of a competition among firms. Peter Gomes suggested that, as this was a very important question and worthy of significant consideration, Paula and Darcy should consult.

It was moved and VOTED, without dissent, to advise the Officers & Directors of “2020 Starts Now” to retain the services of Darcy Lee as the fundraising consultant to “2020 Starts Now,” the independent 501c3 entity that supports the work of the Plymouth 400th Committee.

ONGOING PROJECT – Formation of the Governor’s Commission – was reviewed earlier in the meeting.

ONGOING PROJECT – License plate.
David Kirkpatrick reviewed the license plate’s physical set-up. The areas available are the visual block on the left, the motto area on the bottom, and the two letters that accompany the actual number. The Committee felt that the words “400” and “Plymouth” are needed for the motto; they approve the use of the ship as a visual and hope that it can be more stylized; they also approve the use of some sort of graphic or visual on each side of the motto to represent Colonial and Native (the idea presented involved profiled, Paula Peters suggested using symbols instead). Any additional comments should be directed to David Kirkpatrick.

6. ONGOING PROJECT – Formation of the 501 c3 – was reviewed earlier in the meeting. Peg Baker pointed out that the Officers & Directors will very definitely need insurance; an insurance company has given an estimate of $750 per year for Officers & Directors insurance. John McDonagh will approach the Jannetty Brothers for funding.

7. ONGOING PROJECT – Education. In addition to what was reviewed earlier, Kathy Babini reported that in November of 2014, the National Council of Social Studies will be meeting in Boston. Kathy has connections with this organization and has been an officer in the Massachusetts Council; this will be a great opportunity to introduce curriculum nationally.

8. ONGOING PROJECT – Stamp. Patrick O’Brien reported that he is working with Congressman Delahunt’s office and should have progress to report by next month.

9. ONGOING PROJECT – Outreach, speakers & authors. Tamson Burgess reported that there has been a lot of material for the paper just happening naturally. She is eager and anxious for any and all members of the committee to write. There is the possibility of a weekly column for the paper but Tamson doesn’t want that to interfere with the ongoing current stories. Articles should be not less than 600 words and should be accompanied by a head shot. Tamson asks that every member of the committee identify the one thing they would like to say to the public, which could be their idea for a story.

10. ONGOING PROJECT – International efforts
Mark Sylvia reported on the briefing he received on the Jamestown 400th celebration in 2007. In 1996 (11 years out), the Governor of Virginia established the Jamestown/York Foundation; its members were appointed by the governor as an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They were funded by the commemorative license plate as well as directly from the state legislature. Jamestown also established a non-profit corporation to raise private funds. They worked with Congress to establish a federal commission through the Department of Interior, as well. These three organizations worked together. Jamestown does not have a municipality as such, it has a county – the county also worked with the state but the state was the driver. Jamestown overall raised $40 million to fund both infrastructure and programs. In addition to the license plate, the state added a surcharge on auto registrations. The majority of the funds were still raised through private efforts. Mark Sylvia had discussions, with Paul Cripps, with Ann Berry, the executive director of Jamestown, who remains a good resource. Peter pointed out that the example of Jamestown demonstrates that we are not planning for 2020 too early.

Peggy Baker reported that she is in ongoing contact with Phil Budden who remains interested in helping out. Budden will be seeing the governor in July, possibly with the British Ambassador, and will be happy to reinforce the importance of the state commission. He has offered to work with Peter on the wording of the thank-you letter that Peter has been asked – by this committee – to send to him and noted that if the letter was correctly phrased, it might advance our interests in the UK. He also remains committed to working towards a royal visit in 2020 and awaits confirmation of August 1, 2020 as the target date.

Peggy Baker reported that our Plymouth contact, Joan Bartlett, is writing to her good friend who has been a lady-in-waiting to Queen Beatrix to get instructions on how an invitation should be issued for 2020.

NEW INITIATIVE – Swearing in ceremony
The swearing-in of new citizens was one of the more successful and moving events of the celebration in 1995. At Peter Gomes’ request, Peg Baker contacted Liz Carroll from Representative Delahunt’s office. She is going to get answers to these questions about the process: How do we request that a ceremony be held in Plymouth on a specific date (apart from it being in 2020, the date is yet to be determined)? How far in advance can we / should we make this request? How do we receive official permission for an “outsider” to perform the ceremony? What other local and/or regional officials should, by protocol, be invited? What are the rules regarding who can perform such a ceremony (could, for instance, a former president of the United States administer the oath?) How is it determined who the 102 about-to-be new citizens will be?

PUBLIC COMMENT - None

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the committee will be 7:00 pm on Monday, July 20th, in the offices of Plymouth Rock Studios at 36 Cordage Park Circle (Building 3), Suite 305.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

PETER GOMES
PREVIOUS TASK: Peter will compose a letter with Phil Budden, British Consul General.
TASK: Peter Gomes will assemble the State Commission.

KATHY BABINI
TASK: Kathy will consult with David Kirkpatrick on a video component to the Class of 2020 project.

TAMSON BURGESS
PREVIOUS TASK: Tamson will start assembling lists of groups that would be receptive to having “2020 speakers,” she will get the list to Peg Baker.

RODNEY JOSEPH
ONGOING TASK: Peter asked Rodney to give some thought as to how the commemoration of the Treaty with Massasoit could play a more prominent role in the Thanksgiving events

DAVID KIRKPATRICK
ONGOING TASK: David will continue with the design of the license plate.
TASK: David will consult with Kathy Babini on a video component to the Class of 2020 project.

GARY MARKS
ONGOING TASK: Gary will contact the Congregational Church association and other religious leaders about gathering in Plymouth in November of 2019 for the opening event in the 2020 celebration.

JOHN MCDONAGH
ONGOING TASK: John will carry through the idea of possibly participating in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held on the Mall in 2019, as part of the kick-off of the celebrations.
ONGOING TASK: John will continue the work on establishing the 501c3.
ONGOING TASK: Ken Tavares & John will follow through with Rockland Trust and see if they would be willing to provide the bond for the license plates
TASK: John will seek funding for Officers & Directors Insurance for the 501c3.

ENZO MONTI
TASK: Enzo & Ken Tavares will consult about an event in the spring of 2020 to “open” the season.

PATRICK O’BRIEN
TASK: Patrick O’Brien will proceed with the stamp.

PAULA PETERS
TASK: Paula will consult with Darcy Lee about branding.

KEN TAVARES
TASK: Ken & John McDonagh will follow through with Rockland Trust and see if they would be willing to provide the bond for the license plates
TASK: Ken & Enzo Monti will consult about an event in the spring of 2020 to “open” the season.