For most of us across the U.S., Thanksgiving means marathon football watching, feasting until we’re stuffed, and squeezing in time for a parade or two. And while Thanksgiving often centers on family gatherings and traditions, there’s much more to this holiday than turkey and touchdowns. Beneath the festivities, Thanksgiving holds a long history that reveals the different experiences and cultures that shaped America.
Across the country, a handful of destinations showcase the history of Thanksgiving all November long. If you’re curious about where this cherished holiday began, these historic sites offer a deep dive into its roots, complete with workshops, festivals, and even a Thanksgiving feast or two.
The Plimoth Patuxet Museums — Massachusetts
The Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Step back into 1621 at the Plimoth Plantation just three miles south of downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrim village has been carefully recreated to show visitors what life was like around the time of the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth. And if you’re visiting in November, you can partake in cooking demonstrations of that period or listen to storytellers speak about life during colonial times. You can also learn more about the Native peoples that lived there at the Patuxet Homesite.
You can also participate in workshops to learn skills like blacksmithing, printmaking, and wool spinning. The site hosts a Thanksgiving Dining event, a classic Thanksgiving feast filled with all your classic favorites, and inspired by the Harvard Club menu when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a National Holiday. The dinners occur throughout the day on Thanksgiving Day and on the day after Thanksgiving.
Old Sturbridge Village — Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Old Sturbridge Village
For history buffs looking for historic places to visit around Thanksgiving, a visit to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts let’s you and your family see how an early 19th-century rural village celebrated the holiday. Old Sturbridge Village is an 1830s New England living history museum. The site shows life during this time with the help of costumed historians and antique buildings. You can visit the Glasshouse Gallery, which demonstrates how glass was made in the 19th century, or you can tour the historical beekeeping exhibit.
As you walk the grounds, don’t be surprised if you run into costumed farmers and historians who will be glad to answer all of your questions. If you’re bringing the kids with you, take them to see the sheep, cattle, chickens, and pigs. You’ll also see the historical printing house, the cabinet-making shop, the cider mill, and much more. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to get into the Thanksgiving spirit in Massachusetts.
Berkeley Plantation — Charles City, Virginia
Berkeley Plantation
Williamsburg and Richmond locals contend that the first Thanksgiving wasn’t held in Plymouth, but rather at the Berkeley Plantation. In 1619, a boat of Englishmen led by Captain Woodlief landed on these grounds and officially gave thanks. The Captain is believed to have declared the landing a holy day of Thanksgiving. The event occurred one year before the Pilgrims even made it to Plymouth and two years before the official Pilgrim Harvest Feast.
Whether or not you believe this event to be the first Thanksgiving in the U.S., Virginia celebrates accordingly with its Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at the Berkeley Plantation. The 1726 Georgian mansion was the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence signers Benjamin Harrison V and William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. The celebration honors the historic 1619 landing with musical performances, a petting zoo, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and reenactments of the landing of Captain Woodlief’s landing.
Billings Farm and Museum — Woodstock, Vermont
The history of Billings Farm and Museum is actually kind of fascinating. Although the farm was not originally open to the public, it has become a popular tourist attraction thanks to the vision of the Billings family, who wanted to share their agricultural heritage and the significance of dairy farming in Vermont. The farm opened to the public in the late 1980s, transforming from a working dairy operation into an interactive museum and educational center. This shift was motivated by a desire to preserve the history of farming and to educate visitors about sustainable agriculture, rural life, and the heritage of the region. Today, Billings Farm and Museum offers extensive tour programs, special events, festivals, educational programs, and recreational activities that engage visitors of all ages.
During Thanksgiving, guests can enjoy tractor rides, cow petting, pie baking, and tasting traditional foods that were served on Thanksgiving in the 1890s. In the afternoon, you can participate in a milking demonstration that provides insight into the day-to-day operations of a historical dairy farm.
Afterward, make sure to check out the Farmstead Gardens, which boast a rich variety of gardens and plants. The Pizza Gardens cultivate ingredients like bell peppers, wheat, tomatoes, oregano, and basil, showcasing the farm-to-table philosophy. Don’t forget to visit the Herb Garden, which is home to numerous cooking and medicinal herbs used in traditional recipes. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop to sample the delicious, award-winning cheeses that Billings is known to produce. The farm specializes in smoked cheddar, butter, and Woodstock Reserve cheeses, all of which are the result of 150 years of traditional cheesemaking techniques.
Colonial Williamsburg — Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg
If you’re lucky enough to visit Colonial Williamsburg during Thanksgiving, you’ll be in for a real treat. It’s one of America’s oldest cities, with many notable landmarks and a rich history, including colonial times.
The architecture of Colonial Williamsburg is layered with hidden messages that reflect the values, beliefs, and historical context of the period; these subtle details may go unnoticed without a knowledgeable guide to point them out. For example, you’ll see bricks that were laid upside down, which were sometimes used as a practical joke or to signify a specific kind of craftsmanship. Additionally, the placement of windows at varying heights on buildings may indicate the original purpose of the structure or even the social status of its inhabitants.
On Thanksgiving, you have many different choices for meals to partake in, from the Traditional Thanksgiving Day Buffet, to the Virginia Ballroom Thanksgiving Day Feast. After all that feasting, check out one of the live performances that discuss life in the 18th century. You can see a reenactment of President George Washington’s speeches or join the Lighting of the Cressets. Throughout November, you can also learn more about the culture and customs of Native Americans that contributed to life in 18th-century Virginia. Join a special event and learn about Cherokee history or learn more about Indigenous culture at the Two-Spirits in American Indian Life event.
Historic Jamestowne — Jamestown, Virginia
Historic Jamestowne
Step onto the very grounds where America’s first permanent English settlement was founded in 1607. Historic Jamestowne offers an insightful glimpse into the early interactions between English settlers and Native American tribes, including the Powhatan. As Thanksgiving approaches, you can explore excavations of the original fort, revealing artifacts that narrate the complex stories of conflict, cooperation, and survival among these diverse cultures. The onsite Archaearium museum brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the settlers, showcasing one of the largest collections of artifacts from this pivotal period.
In November, Jamestown, Virginia, offers special events that delve into Native American history, colonial life, and the relationships that began to form in early America. Visitors can join guided tours, meet actors in period costumes, and participate in discussions about what Thanksgiving and gratitude meant to early settlers and Native communities. As you immerse yourself in this historical experience, you may also ponder the enduring mystery surrounding the fate of the Jamestown colony. Many lives were lost, and countless stories remain untold, inviting you to reflect on the resilience and adaptability of those who faced unimaginable challenges.
National Museum of the American Indian — Washington, D.C.
National Museum of the American Indian by angela n. licensed under CC by 2.0
Thanksgiving can often gloss over the Indigenous experience, but the National Museum of the American Indian provides an important place for deeper reflection. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this museum highlights the resilience of Native American cultures across North and South America. During November, the museum hosts special events and exhibits focused on Indigenous traditions around harvest and gratitude, including cultural practices that have shaped the holiday.
The museum has interactive exhibits on Native American tribes from all over. You’ll learn about traditional farming practices, the importance of harvest festivals, and Native perspectives on early meetings with European settlers. Visiting here gives you a richer view of Thanksgiving through stories and traditions that aren’t often shared.
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Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site — Petersburg, Illinois
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
For a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving experience steeped in early American life, visit Lincoln’s New Salem, the reconstructed village where Abraham Lincoln lived in his 20s. This living history village brings the frontier life of the 1830s in Illinois to life with interpreters who demonstrate daily skills like blacksmithing, log splitting, and candle making. In November, you can enjoy seasonal activities that would have been part of life in Lincoln’s era, such as preparing winter provisions and celebrating the harvest.
New Salem embodies the pioneering spirit and communal values that Thanksgiving honors, making it a fitting place to reflect on gratitude. Walk through log cabins, watch historical reenactments, and hear stories about the young Lincoln’s friendships and work, all of which influenced his later decisions. It’s a quiet, scenic spot that lets you step back into history while celebrating Thanksgiving with a nod to America’s pioneering past.
FAQs:
Q: When should I visit these Thanksgiving historic sites to avoid crowds?
A: For smaller crowds, consider visiting early in November or on weekdays leading up to Thanksgiving. Some sites may be quieter in the mornings or right after lunch, especially on non-event days.
Q: Are there admission fees or special ticket requirements for these sites?
A: Most sites charge an admission fee, and some may require additional tickets for special Thanksgiving events. It’s best to check each location’s website in advance for up-to-date ticketing details.
Q: Can I bring my family, including young children, to these historic sites?
A: Yes, many of these sites are family-friendly, with many offering kid-friendly exhibits and hands-on activities. Young children will enjoy interactive elements like farm animals at Old Sturbridge Village or craft workshops at Billings Farm and Museum.
Q: Are these sites open on Thanksgiving Day itself?
A: Hours and availability vary by site. While some, like Plimoth Patuxet Museums, host events on Thanksgiving Day, others may close. Check each site’s holiday hours if planning a Thanksgiving Day visit.
Q: Do I need to make reservations in advance for special Thanksgiving events?
A: Yes, reservations are recommended or required for some events, especially Thanksgiving dinners or workshops. These popular events can sell out ahead of time, so it’s wise to book early.
Do you know of any other historic places to visit around Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments below!
