The Mayflower in Story and History with Peter Arenstam

One of the region’s most engaging storytellers of the Mayflower and New England’s maritime past joins us for a fascinating online talk that brings the Pilgrim world to life, on land, sea, and on the page.
Peter Arenstam, Executive Director of the Pilgrim John Howland Society, will share insights from his work as both a historian and an award‑winning author, highlighting two of his most beloved books:

- The Mighty Mastiff of the Mayflower — a richly imagined historic‑fiction adventure for young readers, inspired by the real mastiff who sailed on the 1620 voyage.
- Mayflower 1620: A New Look at a Pilgrim Voyage — a vivid, accessible nonfiction exploration of the crossing that reshaped history.

A native of Plymouth, Peter grew up on the water before apprenticing in boatbuilding at the Maine Maritime Museum. He later earned an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University.

For more than twenty years, Peter managed the Maritime Artisans Program at Plimoth/Patuxet Museums, overseeing the restoration and sailing program of Mayflower II. His expertise has taken him from the Smithsonian Institution to Mayflower Societies across the country, and even onto film sets—appearing as a commentator in The History Channel’s Desperate Crossings and sailing as captain of a 17th‑century vessel in the New World.  

Peter has been recognized with the Katharine F. Little Distinguished Mayflower Scholarship Award and the Harry Hornblower Award for his contributions to living history.  This program will be broadcast through Zoom.  Advance registration is required.