Thanksgiving Day Additional Learning Links



Presidential Press Releases

George Bush - November 16th, 2001
In this proclamation George W. Bush speaks of defending the enduring principles of freedom that formed the foundation of our Republic. This annual tradition of issuing a presidential proclamation of Thanksgiving was revived during the Civil War by Abraham Lincoln.
Source: White House Online
Reading Level: Moderate

George Washington - October 3rd, 1789
Although the language sounds different, it's based on the same principles. Washington assigns "Thursday, the 26th day of November next" as the official day of Thanksgiving and signs it with "Given under my hand, at the City of New York, the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789." His proclamation recognizes a higher power, blessing this nation with a sound government and protected freedoms denied to most of the rest of the world.
Source: Not Just for Kids!, An American Thanksgiving
Reading Level: Moderate


History of Thanksgiving

General Historical Information
Learn about The Fourth World Documentation Project and The Center for World Indigenous Studies in the section titled "The Plymouth Thanksgiving Story." Read the Plymouth Thanksgiving Story, or a prayer from the Iroquois (Seneca) people, or browse recipes from the Woodland Culture area. Links to Thanksgiving articles, the very first Thanksgiving Proclamation, and a few recipes are also included.
Source: 20/20 Technologies
Reading Level: Advanced

American Memory - Today in History
Find out about the Pilgrims, their harvest, feasting, fasting, the gold rush, and presidential proclamations. Listen to music, view photos and more.
Source: The Library of Congress
Reading Level: Moderate

Thanksgiving in American Memory
Check out a timeline, as well as the sections titled "Thanksgiving Remembered, In Celebration of Thanksgiving," stories, and poems, or click on features and activities to find lesson plans.
Source: The Library of Congress
Reading Level: Moderate

Macs Thanksgiving Day Parade: 2002
Read the history of this event which first appeared in 1927, get parade tips and links to more.
Source: NYC MediaBridge.com
Reading Level: Moderate

76th Annual Classic
Take a parade photo tour, find out what the'big balloon inflation' is, read about the parade's history, or see the parade map. Get cool wallpaper and links to attractions such as Broadway, museums, and tours of New York City.
Source: NYC Tourist.com
Reading Level: Moderate


Plymouth History

Historical Reference Center
Search these facts about Plymouth, its history, and its people. There's information on the Mayflower with a passenger list, and information about the Mayflower Compact, pilgrims, and the Wampanoag Tribe.
Source: Media 3, Technologies
Reading Level: Advanced

Plimouth Plantation
This museum of 17th Century Plymouth includes the pilgrims in American culture, references for the first Thanksgiving, alternative claims, the 1621 Bill of Fare, and a list of who attended the first Thanksgiving. Learn how to recreate your own pilgrim Thanksgiving worship service.
Source: Plimouth Plantation, Inc.
Reading Level: Advanced

Plymouth Memorial Site
Visit the place where over one million people a year come from all over the world to see... where the first Europeans made their home in 1620 New England!
Source: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Reading Level: Moderate

Pilgrim Hall Museum
Check out America's Museum of Pilgrim Possessions. This covers the first Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims with primary sources. Find out who was at the harvest celebration of 1621. Review the Evolution of the Modern Thanksgiving, go Beyond the Pilgrim Story, and see collections and exhibits.
Source: Pilgrim Hall Museum
Reading Level: Moderate


Classroom Resources

Thanksgiving in North America
From local harvest to national holiday, see the evolution of Thanksgiving complete with sources and a transcription of George Washington's proclamation.
Source: Encyclopedia Smithsonian

Thanksgiving Tab
You'll find a history of Thanksgiving from The Protestant Reformation to William Bradford, with sections organized by topic at this website. There is also a study exercise highlighting people, places, and dates connected to Thanksgiving. Activities include quizzes, songs, poems, prayers, and stories.
Source: Eva L. Easton

Giving Square
The Center for World Thanksgiving brings you The Pilgrims First Harvest Feast, New World with many cultural influences, a timeline of the American Thanksgiving holiday, and Thanksgiving traditions.
Source: Thanks-Giving Square Foundation

Q & A Online Newshour
This PBS Online forum answers questions about sustaining old traditions, food for thought and what our foods say about America. Link to puzzles for adults and children and information on the Mayflower Compact.
Source: P.B.S.