Plymouth Rock Portico
Plymouth, MA
Original Architect
McKim, Mead and White
(completed 1921)
Building owner
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
In collaboration with
Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype
architects
Building description
The smallest park in the Massachusetts state forest and park system, Plymouth Rock Portico is
also the most heavily visited. Nearly one million people a year come from all over the world to
visit the town where in 1620 Europeans first made a home in New England and to see Plymouth Rock
where the passengers on the Mayflower first set foot in the New World. This simple memorial on
the shore of Plymouth Harbor has become a world famous symbol of the courage and faith of the
men and women who founded the first New England colony.
The portico, designed by McKim, Mead and White, is comprised of granite columns,
iron beams and a Guastavino-tile vault.
Scope of work
- Vertical Access completed an inspection of the Guastavino vault. Access to the underside of
the vaults was achieved using a Genie lift, which was maneuvered between the columns of the monument.
- VA observed and noted conditions at the surrounding granite cornice, columns, parapet and at
the rubber membrane roof.