American Pilgrim Museum, Leiden

The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum in Leiden tells the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, Puritan separatists who fled England in 1608. After settling in Amsterdam, they moved to Leiden in 1609, living there until 1620. From Leiden, they embarked on a journey that led to their arrival in New England aboard the Mayflower. Their first harvest festival in Plymouth Colony inspired the modern Thanksgiving tradition in the United States.

The museum is located in a medieval house, dating back to 1365–1370, situated beside the bell tower of the Hooglandse Kerk. Operated by the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum Foundation, the building itself is a historical artifact, with one room retaining its original 14th-century interior, reflecting its use as a priests’ residence.

The museum’s exhibits delve into the lives of the Pilgrims during their time in England, Leiden, and New England. Its collection includes period furniture, books, and artifacts that provide insight into the daily life and challenges faced by the Pilgrims. Complementing these displays are 16th- and 17th-century maps and engravings by artists like Gerard Mercator and Adriaen Pietersz Van de Venne, which enrich the narrative of the Pilgrims' journey and their historical context.

The museum actively commemorates Pilgrim's history. In 2009, it marked the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' arrival in Leiden with an exhibition and the book Strangers and Pilgrims. In 2011, it installed a bronze memorial at the Vrouwekerk ruins, honoring ties to Plymouth Colony and New Netherland. Its publications, including Plymouth Colony's Private Libraries (2018), enrich Pilgrim heritage studies.

The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of European and American history, shedding light on the Pilgrims' legacy and their enduring cultural impact.