Light Thanksgiving Fare

Mayflower descendants, from Presidents to Hollywood actors, are still making their mark on American society. For a little Thanksgiving fun, check out the eclectic roster of “Famous Descendants of Mayflower Passengers,” at the history and genealogy web site, MayflowerHistory.com. Maintained by Mayflower descendant Caleb Johnson, the site also includes the text of original source documents such as the wills of Mayflower passengers. These wills reveal the Pilgrims’ prized possessions and their priorities, not to mention the legal writing (and quite recognizable wills and estates law) of the Mayflower generation.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation

This is an event that dates from the Truman Administration. Presidents traditionally have granted the National Thanksgiving Turkey a "pardon." After the presentation, the National Turkey and its alternate will be taken to Disneyland Resort and Theme Park in Anaheim, California to be a part of the holiday display and where they will stay the remainder of their natural lives. Both the turkeys will serve as honorary Grand Marshals for Disneyland’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.

It is thought that the tradition dates to Pres. Lincoln who pardoned his son Tad's pet Turkey.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Thanksgiving Proclamation

Among the Papers of George Washington is the original Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by him on October 3, 1789. You can read much more about the proclamation on the Introduction page and you can also see a transcription of the original proclamation.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat