The American Center for Religious Liberty

Summary

The American Center for Religious Liberty (ACRL) exists to celebrate, educate, and preserve the legacy of religious liberty brought to America by the Pilgrims. Rooted in the basis of Christian Self Government, The Mayflower Compact, witnessed in the Declaration of Independence and expressed in the US Constitution, the goal is to rekindle a national appreciation for the biblical principles of freedom that shaped the American experiment.

Location & Structure

Plymouth, Massachusetts, the subject site overlooks the historic harbor across from Plymouth Rock, an original church building circa 1903, located on a corner parcel of land with approximately 9,540 sf. The parcel is improved with a detached, masonry/brick structure containing 7,294+/- sf. of total Gross Floor Area on three levels. The highest and best use of the property is Church/Charitable or Institutional use.

Polaroids

THE VISION

Vision

A revitalized biblical and cultural understanding of religious liberty as a sacred gift, a unifying pillar of the American identity—past, present, and future.

Mission & Core Initiatives

Educational Programs

  • On-Site Tours of Historical Sites: The Pilgrim Path, The Freedom Trail (in-person and virtual)
  • Curriculum on the Pilgrims, Patriots, Presidents, & Pastors who by example defined, defended and preserved religious freedom in their generation.
  • Conference, Workshops & Seminars for Pastors and Educators

Annual Celebrations

  • National Religious Liberty Day, January 16th
  • Mayflower Compact Day, November 11th
  • National Thanksgiving Day Celebration, November
  • Forefathers Day, December 22nd

Cultural Preservation & Media

  • Digital exhibits presenting America’s story of religious freedom.
  • Documentaries; Podcasts
  • Social Media Branding and Content

Civic, Community & International Engagement

  • Events partnering with churches, schools, civic groups, and museums
  • Local celebration toolkits with Ambassador training programs
  • Global partnerships to advance the cause of religious liberty

Polaroids

GOVERNANCE & GOALS

Corporate Identity & Governance

  • Church Organization Structure governed by a National Council of Pastors;
  • The Center’s Mission (ACRL) governed by a Board of Directors responsible to identify and implement programs led a diverse team of historians, educators, and community leaders consistent with the vision, mission and core initiatives.
  • Collaborative efforts governed by a Council of Advisors to engage Non-Profit, Educational and Cultural Organizations.

Financial Support & Sustainability

  • Private Investment; Tax-deductible donations; Grants
  • Corporate and Foundation Sponsorships
  • Paid educational resources and events
  • Subscriptions, memberships and merchandise

Impact Goals (3 Years)

  • 1M+ Tourism through subject site development & marketing
  • 300+ Christian Schools/Institutions through education, media, subscription
  • 150+ Local Religious Liberty Day Celebrations
  • 50+ Institutional partners (non-profits, churches, museums)
  • 3 signature media productions (film, curriculum, digital archive, podcast)

“This monument marks the first burying ground in Plymouth of the passengers of the Mayflower. Here, under the cover of darkness, the fast-dwindling company laid their dead, leveling the earth above them—lest the Indians should learn how many were their graves.”

“Reader! History records no nobler venture for faith and freedom than that of this Pilgrim band. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often in hunger and cold, they laid the foundations of a state wherein every man through countless ages should have liberty to worship God in his own way. May their example inspire thee to do thy part in perpetuating and spreading the lofty ideals of our republic throughout the world!”

Sarcophagus

BUILDING ACQUISITION

STEP 1

Seeking $2.0M

In Phase 1, we seek to immediately acquire the present building.

THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

STEP 2

Seeking $3.5M

Phase 2 involves renovating the building and implementing plans for The American Center for Religious Liberty. Amount includes center design, acquisition of key artifacts, development of a multimedia presentation display, & staffing for the first 3 years.