Restored Mayflower replica returning to Plymouth

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — A restored replica of the original Mayflower ship that brought the Pilgrims to America 400 years ago this year is setting out on the final leg of its journey home.

The Mayflower II set off from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne Monday where it docked over the weekend, and made its way to its berth at Pilgrim Memorial State Park in Plymouth.

“It was just unbelievable, it was so beautiful, my son went to Mass. Maritime [Academy] so I have a soft spot for Mass. Maritime in my heart but it was just great,” said MaryAnne Callahan.

“This is exciting and to be here on such a historical day, it’s just wonderful,” said Karen Marlar, of Alabama. “We were here at like 9:30 this morning and we’ve been sitting here, waiting.”

The 64-year-old historic reproduction has spent the last three years in Mystic, Connecticut, getting $11.2 million in renovations.

“I grew up around here we went to Plymouth plantation for school field trips so it’s kinda cool,” said Kate Evans, of Kingston. “I mean ’it’s” a little different now but pretty much the same.”

The vessel, which was a gift from England in 1957, began the slow journey home last month making stops at other Connecticut and Massachusetts ports.

It stopped in New London, Connecticut as well as New Bedford, Massachusetts, but had to cancel a planned visit to Newport, Rhode Island because of new coronavirus-related travel restrictions imposed on that state.

A cruise into Boston Harbor alongside the USS Constitution was previously canceled because of the pandemic.

The original return voyage had called for a celebratory departure in late April with several stops in New England ports before a May arrival in Plymouth.

“It just was a magnificent view, it really was beautiful and it’s just kind of nice to see it back where it belongs,” said Sandra McLeod, of Plymouth.

Cox Media Group