Thanksgiving Websites - Thanksgiving History on the Internet

A few years ago I began a website trek to discover my family ancestry. What resulted was that I developed a gratitude for any contribution my forefathers made to the development of this country. I soon discovered that I am related to the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony. For the benefit of others in my family, especially the children who were studying the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving in grade schoo, I was anxious to learn more. I was not in the mood for searching the dusty library volumes of Pilgrim History, Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrim's Plimouth Settlement, Religion of the Pilgrims ad nausea. Without leaving the comforts of my home or pouring over books in the public library these people were brought to life before my eyes. I found thousands of articles and websited devoted to the Pilgrim Story. Today I'd like to take you along for some of that journey.

We'll begin with Pilgrims.Net - touted as "America's Homepage". With a border crossing bannered with that declaration, I expect a quality tour. However, I can't take my first step into the Promised Land without scrolling far down the page for a pertinent link. Come on, I'm researching Pilgrims and the Mayflower. Where's the good stuff? I find the link inviting me to discover the true story of "The First Thanksgiving". Additional links are presented in the not-very-appetizing-Times-Roman font and include Historical Reference, Museums/Historical Sites, Genealogy Resources, Native Americans, Whale Watching, and New England Style Recipes. If it weren't for my readers following along my interest waned at the beginning. I did, however, pause briefly on the link for "Lobsters to Go" -alive and kicking", Clambakes for Two, delivered anywhere! I might return to investigate a dinner date some day. librar

My next stop was Mayflowerhistory.com, which seems to have a connection to the History Channel on cable. The colorful pictures appear to be selling books that I'd have to wait for. Not interested. The links are to an Introduction, the Mayflower Passenger List, Pilgrim History, Mayflower Genealogy, and the unexpected sales links for Societies and Museums as well as Bookstore and Gift Shop. I'll stick around long enough to see the press they provide for my Tilley family heritage. I'm opening the door to the Mayflower Genealogy. I discover nothing new or of interest except for a grammatical error in the last sentence "Elizabeth Tilley was born in 1607 in Henlow, Bedfordshire, the daughter of John and Joan (Hurst)(Rogers) Tilley. She came with her parents on the Mayflower in 1620. Both her parents died the first winter at Plymouth, leaving her orphaned at the age of 13 in the New World. She married to Mayflower passenger John Howland around 1625 at Plymouth." I'd probably be more intrigued by the story of John Howland, to whom I am also related.

I leave the Mayflower History website and jump to the link for Pilgrim Hall Museum. This site is chalk full of awesome information but it does little to satisfy my virtual curiosity. They've almost convinced me to visit in person though as the museum artifacts are pertinent to my family and heritage. But, before I leave this site, it would be well for the reader to notice that the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans is well defined here. Those differences may not mean much to the children but should be of interest to anyone studying the establishment of this country. This site offers a good introduction to the search for "freedom of religion" which motivated the early settlers in America.

I finally stumble across a site that brings vast stores of knowledge to share with my family this year. The site is provided by "Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries" under the section covering Thanksgiving. Follow any of their intriguing links and you are sure to enrich your Thanksgiving preparations and celebration this year.

"How the Pilgrims Got their Name," traces the history of the early Separatists from England to Leiden, and then to the New World, and the origin of the word "Pilgrim" from William Bradford's journal.

"Bitter Winter, Better Thanksgiving,", the story of Miles Standish, "Mayflower" leader who worshipped in spite of losing his wife.

"Squanto - God's Special Indian," tells the story of how Squanto was providentially enabled to help the Pilgrims - and to find Christianity.

"Squanto's Thanksgiving," a 15-minute, one act children's play that tells the story of Squanto's assistance to the Pilgrims.

"Indian Aid and a Blessed Thanksgiving," The Joyful Heart, November 18, 2000. Discusses the role that native Americans Samoset, Massasoit, and Squanto had in the first Thanksgiving celebration.

"Pilgrim Daughter," Evangel, November 21, 1993, pp. 4-5. A personal story which focuses on the hardships and faith of the early Pilgrims.

Artwork of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving. Links to fine art paintings."

Whether you choose to include the Pilgrim stories in your festivities or to focus on your personal gratitude in the 21st century, the Internet has many opportunities to enrich the season. At the end of all that searching, I discovered that Wikipedia was the best launching point. Once underway, the reader will have great difficulty in knowing when to stop. If you do nothing else from that one page, scroll down to nearly the very end where you will find a link for Thanksgiving Jokes. If all else fails to bring gratitude into your home, solicit laughter and begin the celebration. Or, as they say "Thanksgiving is a time for thanks and merriment and by learning a few Thanksgiving jokes, you'll be able to say you did your part and this may get you out of buying, bringing or cooking food."