Eastern Bank doubles Plimoth Plantation reward and vows additional support

PLYMOUTH, Mass. Aug. 15, 2008 –  Eastern Bank this week contributed a donation totaling $6,000 to Plimoth Plantation, the living history museum, whose 1627 English Village was ravaged by vandals on August 1.

The Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s $5,000 donation will pay for man-hours necessary to repair damages to the museum sites not covered by insurance, while the bank pledged a separate $1,000 to double the cash reward offered by the museum for information leading to the recovery of stolen reproduction artifacts and the arrest of the culprits responsible. The Eastern Bank donation raises the total reward offered to $2,000.

“Plimoth Plantation is a valued educational resource that rests in the heart of our community,” said Bob Rivers, Eastern Bank president. “We feel that it’s important to support and help our neighbors in need. We hope that these funds for repairs will help restore the village and boost morale among Plimoth Plantation’s dedicated employees, while also encouraging parties with information in connection to the vandalism to come forward.” 

Vandals stole animal pelts used in trading scenarios, two pieces of 17th century armor, various household items; smashed reproduction pottery; uprooted vegetable plants vital to daily cooking demonstrations; and destroyed windows and fences in the Village.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful to everyone who has demonstrated such considerable support during this time,” said John McDonagh executive director of Plimoth Plantation. “We especially want to thank Eastern Bank for this significant donation, which will assist with much needed repairs. The bank’s generosity highlights a valuable commitment to the community.” 

To make additional donations, checks may be sent to: Plimoth Plantation, P.O. Box 1620, Plymouth, MA 02362. 

The Plymouth Police Department’s investigation is ongoing. Any information regarding the crime or missing items should be directed to the Plymouth Police Department. Moving forward, the museum is reviewing security measures to ensure that all of its properties are adequately protected in the future. In the meantime, Plimoth Plantation continues its normal hours of operation (9am-5pm, daily) and invites visitors both new and old to come learn about the history of the Native Wampanoag and Colonial English people firsthand.

About Eastern Bank
Founded in 1818 and based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest independent, mutually owned commercial banking franchise in New England.  With more than $6.5 billion in assets and 74 branches stretching from Merrimack Valley to Cape Cod, Eastern offers superior service, convenience and a full range of financial products for consumers, businesses, investors, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. Its subsidiaries include Eastern Insurance and Fantini & Gorga, a real estate advisory firm. 

About Plimoth Plantation
Plimoth Plantation is a bicultural, 17th-century living history museum located an hour south of Boston in Plymouth, (Exit 4, Route 3 south) and 20 minutes north of Cape Cod.  The museum is open daily from 9 am, to 5 pm, 7 days a week, from March 22 through the end of November.  Plimoth Plantation is a private, non-profit educational institution supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, function sales and revenue from our varied dining programs/services/special events and museum shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The federal Institute of Museums and Library Services, The National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses.  For more information visit: www.plimoth.org.