Leiden Marathon 2021 : Miles for Museums
Hello, my name is Jennifer Sinsigalli (pen name J.L.Rose), author of 'Before the Mayflower: A Novel', pictured above at Plimoth Patuxet Museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA.
On October 10, 2021, I will be running the Leiden Marathon (https://marathon.nl/en/) in celebration of the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum pictured below, and the historians and museums that allowed me to write a book filled with accurate and rich detail. This story is critical to the understanding of many who sailed on the Mayflower, founding Plimoth Colony in 1620. The influence and importance of the time these people lived in Leiden, the Netherlands, is a significant piece of the history, and I will be running the 26.2 miles as a way to generate funds for these incredible Dutch institutions...calling the effort...Miles for Museums!
Any donation amount is appreciated...For contributions of $100+, I will send you a signed copy of my novel. For contributions of $200 +, I will provide a Zoom lecture for a book club or organization.
Funds raised will be allocated as follows:
- Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, Leiden- 70%
- Weaver's House Museum, Leiden - 10% www.wevershuis.nl
- The Pieterskerk, Leiden- 10% www.pieterskerk.com
- The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam- 10% www.rijksmuseum.nl
The Leiden American Pilgrim Musem, Leiden, the Netherlands, www.leidenamericanpilgrimmuseum.org
My historic novel, Before the Mayflower, invites you to travel to 17th-century England and the Netherlands, with factual and fictional characters revealing the fascinating tale of the Mayflower crossing prequel. www.beforethemayflower.com
With much of the book taking place in Leiden, the Netherlands, I carried out the majority of my research in this magical city, aided most by world class historians and this small, remarkable museum. The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, created and operated by Dr. Jeremy Bangs, is a rare gem. Filled with pieces from the period (as opposed to recreations), this museum resides in one of the oldest dated homes in Leiden (14th century). It sits adjacent to the breathtaking Hooglandse Kerk, and shares the important history of the Mayflower passengers critical to the estalishment of Plimoth Colony in 1620- the people commonly referred to as the 'Pilgrims', or Founding Fathers.
The video link will introduce you to Sarah Moine, who manages the daily operations, and in this video allows you to "visit" the museum, to show you what your contribution will be funding. Your donation will be used for the museum's operating and development costs.
In 2020, the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower crossing, I published an anniversary edition of my novel, enhancing the book with twenty images, including maps. Much of the insipiration was generated by visits to this museum. Also in 2020, I was registered to run the Boston Marathon for a charity organization, and when the conventional marathon was cancelled, I elected to run the 26.2 mile virtual Boston Marathon, plotting a historical route, from Plymouth to Duxbury, Massachusetts, passing by 20 historic waypoints and finishing on Duxbury Beach. The run was meant to honor those who sailed on the Mayflower, acknowledging their courage and perseverence, and the strength and resilience of our human spirit. I ran wearing a Leiden Marathon pin, and my finish line was a string of Dutch flags. The Dutch influence in American history is undeniable and must be understood and appreciated, which is what is inspiring me to travel to Leiden and run the 26.2 miles there!
I will be donating 10% of the funds received to another small Leiden museum- the Weaver's House Museum, https://www.wevershuis.nl/english/, another invaluable resource, allowing the visitor step back into the 17th century and understand what a weaver's life was like. The value of this museum and the historians operating it are extraordinary, and your contribution will support its operation, growth, and continued excellence.
Of the donations received, 10% will also be granted to:
- The Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church)- many thanks to curator Ward Hoskens for his support during my writing and research.
- The Rijksmuseum- the Amsterdam museum that is home to one of the greatest collections of 17th century Dutch art, and where Hendrick Avercamp's painting, 'Winter Landscape with Skaters', c.1608, calls home. With this painting featured on my book's cover, I am beyond grateful to have my book sold in this museum's bookstore and featured alongside Avercamp in the gift shop.
Many thanks for your time and donations! By supporting me in this effort, with every Leiden Marathon step I take, know you are helping to keep this critical history alive...
Jen Sinsigalli, (author J.L. Rose), Before the Mayflower: A Novel