Thanksgiving: Traditions, Proclamations & Primary Sources in an Updated Primary Source Set

Today’s Thanksgiving holiday has roots in a number of celebrations that occurred centuries ago in different regions of North America. Over time, the United States has come to observe a holiday that has taken many forms and has been observed in many different ways. Students can broaden their perspectives on Thanksgiving – a holiday that is “peculiar to the nation” – with our recently-updated Thanksgiving Primary Source Set.

In addition to exploring a variety of holiday traditions, students can also explore Thanksgiving proclamations and read Sarah Hale’s letter to President Lincoln lobbying for the day to become an official national holiday.

As with all of the Library’s Primary Source Sets, a Teacher’s Guide is available with background information, teaching ideas and additional resources.

With people of many different cultures and heritages across the nation, the perspective on Thanksgiving is unique for each person. We’d love to hear your thoughts about using primary sources from the Library to help students expand their understanding of this national holiday and the richly varied ways it has been promoted and celebrated throughout history and today.