Sally Hobert Whiting

When I learned one of my ancestors was only thirteen when she boarded the ship, orphaned before she got off the ship, married to another passenger who was fifteen years her senior, and gave birth to ten children who all lived, I was astonished. “What a fascinating story she would have to tell,” I thought. Was there a way to imagine her experiences and bring her to life for my children and grandchildren, and even my Mayflower cousins?

How would I go about finding clues to determine her probable experiences? Fortunately, I found multiple ways, many of which I am about to share with you. It is absolutely possible to bring your ancestor to life if you take on the challenge.

First, read voraciously. Read anything and everything to do with Mayflower’s history, both nonfiction and fiction, to acquire a basic understanding of who the passengers were—their backgrounds, their different motivations for leaving Europe, and their lifeways—their beliefs, customs and daily lives. Determine your ancestor’s own reason for making the journey. Start bringing him/her to life by putting yourself in his/her shoes. Imagine what your ancestor might have been thinking and feeling when he/she first boarded Mayflower and beyond.

Second, research primary sources. Build yourself a timeline, based on fact—on known events that happened during the crossing and afterward. William Bradford’s, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, and Edward Winslow’s Mourt’s Relations are two critical sources. Imagine where your ancestor might have been and what your ancestor might have been doing and feeling during each event—the ocean storms, the winter of devastating sickness, the interactions with the Indians, etc. Again, put yourself in his/her shoes, and allow your ancestor to come to life.

Next, delve into genealogical records. Referring to the passenger list, look up factual information about everyone on the ship, not just your ancestor. Learn about their occupations, marriages, the names and dates their children were born, and what they did in the colony. Imagine how they might have interacted with your ancestor on the ship and afterwards—what short-term and long- term relationships your ancestor might have had with them. Robert Charles Anderson’s four volumes of The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620-1633, is an excellent source for this purpose. For example, I was able to learn enough about the women and girls on the ship, that I could easily imagine the likely interaction between them as they had children and their families grew. I imagined what they did together, what they talked about. Piece together the clues you find, and you can do the same.

Seek out archaeological clues. Artifacts found at the locations your ancestor lived shed light on the dwelling in which he/she lived, the items he/she used, foods he/she ate, and clothing he/she wore. Imagine the story behind each artifact. How did that plate break, and who was upset when it happened? Who used that thimble, and what was she making? Some Mayflower artifacts are on display at Pilgrim Hall Museum and Plimoth Patuxet Museum in Plymouth. Go study them. They can provide plenty of clues for your story.

Question the talented interpreters at Plimoth Patuxet Museum. They do an excellent job portraying the daily experiences of our ancestors in the year 1627. You may be able to talk to your own ancestor there. During the time I was writing my book, I was able to visit with four different women who played the role of my ancestor, and I gained valuable information from each of them.

Attempt to experience for yourself what your ancestor experienced. What better way to imagine what it was like to be your ancestor, than to walk the hill from the harbor to the meetinghouse, explore the town brook, and go to a spring herring run? Imagine what your ancestor was seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling when they did these things.

Finally, consult with historians and experts who have made the study of Mayflower history their life’s work. This way you can be assured you have brought your ancestor to life accurately.

Bringing your ancestor to life is definitely achievable. It may take you a few years; it took me six. However, if you do take on the challenge, I am confident you will find it an enriching experience. You will be astounded at what you will learn that you did not know, especially the number of extreme difficulties our ancestors faced in the early years of settling Plymouth Colony—the unexpected and incredible struggles they had to overcome. You will find out for yourself what remarkable people they were, and your respect for them will grow exponentially.

I titled my historical novel Filled with Fortitude: Pilgrim Elizabeth Tilley. However, what I learned was that all our ancestors were individuals with amazing fortitude. If you read Elizabeth’s account of our Mayflower history, you are sure to find mention of your own ancestor. Believe me, we are incredibly fortunate to be descended from such exceptional people!