Week 1
1. Indigenous History of Masschusetts
Prior to the arrival of the Pilgrims in modern-day Massachusetts, several groups of Indigenous Peoples already lived near where they would land.
2. Pilgrim Immigration Factors
When the Pilgrims left Europe for America there were a number of push and pull factors that influenced their decisions….
3. Squanto
Squanto was a member of the Patuxet and had adventured to Europe and back before helping the Pilgrims…
4. Mayflower Compact
The Pilgrims’ Mayflower Compact has been viewed by some people as the first western-oriented democratic practice in the Americas…
5. Autumn Harvest
The Pilgrims had very little knowledge of how to cultivate food. With the help of Indigenous People, the first Autumn Harvest was earned…
Week 2
6. George Washington
Learn about different types of sources and how they can help us learn accurate history like the history of Thanksgiving…
7. State Adoption: New York
Although giving thanks on a certain day of the year may seem matter of fact, there are several facts about Thanksgiving which are barely known.
8. Sarah Josepha Hale
Sarah Josepha Hale used her influence as an writer and editor to help persuade the nation to celebrate Thanksgiving…
9. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln issued the Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1863, during the US Civil War…
10. The Great Depression
During the Great Depression, resources were scare for most people. Some people think that giving thanks at that time was challenging…
Week 3
11. Turkey Pardons
Although the president who first conducted the first turkey pardon is debatable, the Presidential Turkey Pardon is now common…
12. Common Side Dishes
Although mashed potatoes are a common side Thanksgiving dish, they may not be the most common in your home state…
13. Volunteerism
One common practice around Thanksgiving time is finding opportunities to help out the community through volunteering…
14. Parades
Beginning in the early 1920s, a large parade in New York City is generally regarded as marking the beginning of the winter holidays in the US…
15. Turkey Bowls
A turkey bowl is the term used for an informal game of football that is held on Thanksgiving Day or the following weekend in different parts of the US.
Week 4
16. Thanksgiving Cultural Adaptations
Although Turkey has become one of the most popular foods for Thanksgiving several other dishes shaped by unique culture have become common as well.
17. Thanksgiving Naps
Although some people believe that the tryptophan in turkey has been the cause of Thanksgiving naps, it may be the food that causes sleepiness.
18. Black Friday
Retailers incentivize for shoppers to visit their stores on “Black Friday” by offering heavy discounts for in-person sales…
19. Thanksgiving Controversies
In 1968, the character of Franklin Armstrong debuted in Peanuts. Three years later he was included in the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special…
20. Indigenous People Perspective
Consider that, like most things, Thanksgiving has alternate perspectives that impact what it means to different groups and individuals…