Plimoth Plantation © Suchan | Dreamstime.com
An American Thanksgiving Through the Years
One of the most interesting ways to
learn about the antiques we love to collect, is to see them in the context of
life in the period when they were first used. One can visit museums, tour historic
homes, or, as we will explore in this article, one can experience the past come
to life at a Living History Museum. In living history museums,
volunteers immerse themselves in the lives, language, and daily life of real
people, with the help of historical research, old diaries and journals, and
family histories. The surroundings are as authentic as possible, including the
buildings, shops, commercial or agricultural structures of a real place and era
in American history.
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to visit a living history museum near you, for many of them take advantage of the holiday to promote special events for the family centering on the ways in which Thanksgiving was celebrated in that time and place. You will have a great time joining in the festivities and the entire family, especially if you have young children, will learn how much life was different in earlier times. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and discover the uses and surroundings of the antiques you own.
In keeping with this idea, you might like to visit Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It is an authentic, historically accurate recreation of the Plimoth settlement of 1620-30, with volunteers who reenact the actual first settlers' daily lives. For information and a terrific impression of Plimoth, go to Plimoth Plantation, The Living History Museum of 17th C. Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Plantation's Wampanoag Indian Program, as well.
If 17th century life is not your first choice, why not Colonial Williamsburg's 18th century American life. Its fascinating website offers online lesson plans for teachers, and a calendar of special events and exhibits. Christmas in Williamsburg is exceptionally entertaining, and educational as well.
Moving along in American history to the 19th century (around 1830), there is Old Sturbridge Village, "where Early America comes alive". Located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, this year a Thanksgiving celebration will be held on November 24, and Thanksgiving Dinner on November 24-26.
Other living history museums around the country and in Canada include:
Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, depicting a Northwest Territory (Ohio) settlement in the years 1793-1810, reenacted by volunteers from the Army Corp of Engineers and the Caesar's Creek State Park. Open in southwest Ohio for special events throughout the year.
"The Ranch of the Swallows",Las Golondrinas, near Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a stopping place on El Camino Real, the Royal Road to Mexico City in the early 1700's. Special events through the year include a harvest festival in October - plan for next year!
Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario, Visit Cornwall, was built in 1964 when the St. Lawrence Seaway was opened. Preserving many old homes in the region when the Seaway was being built, the Village recreates life in "upper" Canada during the 1800s.
Heritage Park Historical Village is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It depicts typical pre-WWI western Canadian life.
Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, is a wonderful recreation of a 19th century New England seaport, with real sailing ships and waterfront establishments.
For more links, The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums lists the websites of dozens of living history museums and other historical sites in the United States.
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to visit a living history museum near you, for many of them take advantage of the holiday to promote special events for the family centering on the ways in which Thanksgiving was celebrated in that time and place. You will have a great time joining in the festivities and the entire family, especially if you have young children, will learn how much life was different in earlier times. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and discover the uses and surroundings of the antiques you own.
In keeping with this idea, you might like to visit Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It is an authentic, historically accurate recreation of the Plimoth settlement of 1620-30, with volunteers who reenact the actual first settlers' daily lives. For information and a terrific impression of Plimoth, go to Plimoth Plantation, The Living History Museum of 17th C. Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Plantation's Wampanoag Indian Program, as well.
If 17th century life is not your first choice, why not Colonial Williamsburg's 18th century American life. Its fascinating website offers online lesson plans for teachers, and a calendar of special events and exhibits. Christmas in Williamsburg is exceptionally entertaining, and educational as well.
Moving along in American history to the 19th century (around 1830), there is Old Sturbridge Village, "where Early America comes alive". Located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, this year a Thanksgiving celebration will be held on November 24, and Thanksgiving Dinner on November 24-26.
Other living history museums around the country and in Canada include:
Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, depicting a Northwest Territory (Ohio) settlement in the years 1793-1810, reenacted by volunteers from the Army Corp of Engineers and the Caesar's Creek State Park. Open in southwest Ohio for special events throughout the year.
"The Ranch of the Swallows",Las Golondrinas, near Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a stopping place on El Camino Real, the Royal Road to Mexico City in the early 1700's. Special events through the year include a harvest festival in October - plan for next year!
Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario, Visit Cornwall, was built in 1964 when the St. Lawrence Seaway was opened. Preserving many old homes in the region when the Seaway was being built, the Village recreates life in "upper" Canada during the 1800s.
Heritage Park Historical Village is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It depicts typical pre-WWI western Canadian life.
Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, is a wonderful recreation of a 19th century New England seaport, with real sailing ships and waterfront establishments.
For more links, The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums lists the websites of dozens of living history museums and other historical sites in the United States.