Officials in the Massachusetts town where the Mayflower first dropped anchor said descendants of Pilgrims are expected at the monument's 100th anniversary.

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A spokesman for Provincetown's Pilgrim Monument and the Provincetown Museum said descendants of the Pilgrims who landed in the New World in 1620 are being joined by local politicians and crowds of spectators to mark Thursday's 100th anniversary of the Pilgrim Monument's dedication, the Boston Globe reported Thursday.

Local experts said they are hoping the celebration will raise awareness of the fact that the Mayflower dropped anchor at Provincetown before the more widely recognized Plymouth Rock.

"It's been glossed over in many history books, but we're hoping the attention around this will help solidify the fact that the Pilgrims did land here first," said James Bakker, executive director of the monument and museum.

Celebrations Thursday include a parade during the day and fireworks after dark.