A trip to Cape Cod this summer must include a stop at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (PMPM) where you can immerse yourself in Pilgrim history. Yes, the Pilgrims landed FIRST in Provincetown Harbor where they stayed for five weeks and signed the Mayflower Compact BEFORE heading to Plymouth. In addition to Pilgrim history, visitors will enjoy the PMPM’s vast array of items in its permanent collection highlighting the history of Provincetown, building of the Monument, as well as the town’s rich history as a maritime port, a haven for the creative community and is one of the top visitor destinations in the region.

For whaling history enthusiasts, the PMPM has recently acquired an account book from the schooner Cetacean of Provincetown that provides a glimpse into the whaling industry of Provincetown at its high point in the 1860’s.

Also on display is the exhibition “The Great Provincetown Summer – 1916,” which is an immersion into the year 1916, a pivotal time in the town’s history when Provincetown was put on the map as the nation’s oldest continuous art colony in the world.

New this year are Free Nights at the Monument where admission is free every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. until August 30.  Free Nights at the Monument is the PMPM’s way of giving back to the community that has supported it for more than 100 years.

“We are opening our doors and welcoming everyone to visit us to see what exciting things are going on at the Monument, and we are truly excited to offer free admission every Wednesday for the first time,” said K. David Weidner Ph.D., Executive Director of PMPM. “We want locals and tourists alike to experience this phenomenal place that has stood for more than 100 years to commemorate the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims and to exhibit the history of our special town.  Free Nights at the Monument is just one of the many events we have planned for the summer for families, kids, history buffs and art lovers.”

Another new event this year is the first “Monumental 4^th of July Picnic” that will be topped off with the dazzling fireworks display that Cape Codders flock to from miles around.

“We are excited to open up the spectacular grounds for the Monumental 4^th of July Picnic, to have visitors enjoy the delicious food from Mac’s Seafood, followed by the fireworks display over Provincetown Harbor. There truly is no better place in Ptown to view the fireworks than on High Pole Hill Road.” said Dr. Weidner.

The “Monumental 4th of July Picnic” features Mac’s Seafood with a choice of Mac’s famous lobster roll or fried chicken. Both dinner choices come with all the trimmings, dessert and access to the cash bar.  Tickets are $45 adult/$15 child and are available to be purchased online through the PMPM website. The “Monumental 4^th of July Picnic” kicks off a series of Monumental Summer Picnics that will occur on July 12, August 2, August 16 which also coincide with the PMPM’s Free Wednesday nights when admission is free from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Everyone knows that parking is a premium in Provincetown on July 4^th, so an added benefit to purchasing a ticket for the “Monumental  4^th of July Picnic” is the option to purchase online reserved parking at the Monument that provides a parking spot that can be used all day on July 4^th from 9 a.m. on. Space is limited, so it is recommended to buy tickets and reserve parking early.

Visitors of the PMPM also have the opportunity to enjoy an invigorating climb up the iconic 252-foot granite Monument with 116 steps and 60 ramps to take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Provincetown, the tip of Cape Cod. After the climb visitors should be sure to stop in at the gift shop and check out the new additions with Pilgrim-themed memorabilia, books on Pilgrim history and other subjects, clothing, mugs, children’s toys and other items.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.pilgrim-monument.org