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An American Thanksgiving Through theYears

© Barbara Bell

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 25th anniversary of the Plantation's Wampanoag Indian Program, as well.

You'll have a much better understanding of the "first" Thanksgiving after reading"A Plimoth Plantation Thanksgiving, which appears in Early American Homes this month. You, too, can join the feast!

If 17th century life is not your first choice, why not Colonial Williamsburg's 18th century American life at . This 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 26, and Thanksgiving Dinner on November 26 and 27.

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