Thanksgiving is the American holiday with the deepest roots in our history. In many ways, Thanksgiving celebrations and traditions today are remarkably similar to those of the early 19th century.  (See a detailed listing of the events and activities at Old Sturbridge Village on Thanksgiving Day.)

Today, of course, many New Englanders begin their Thanksgiving ritual with a football game. In the 19th century, most families went to church.

Both then and now, families traveled to the homes of friends and relatives for a family feast. Celebrating with family, the ritual of preparing the meal, and the food itself have not changed very much.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Village re-creates for modern-day visitors the traditions of the holiday as it was celebrated in the early 19th century.

Highlights on Thanksgiving Day include hearth cooking (see turkey roasted on a string (right) or done "to a turn" in a tin kitchen) in preparation for a mid-day meal, when a farm family gathers at the table to feast. See what was on the menu for an early New England Thanksgiving dinner and learn about table manners of the period, and other customs -- a roll tucked inside the napkin? Meat pie and apple pie sharing a plate with turkey? Turnip sauce?!

Attend a re-created Thanksgiving Day sermon in the Center Meetinghouse and learn about why "giving thanks" on this day was so important to early New Englanders, and why this holiday was held in higher esteem than many others, even Christmas or Easter.

Cheer on the Village menfolk as they engage in an after-dinner shooting match (left) with blackpowder muskets and a paper target.   See a detailed listing of the day's events and activities.

Dining on the Thursday holiday is sold out, but on the day after (Friday, November 27), reservations are still available for our Thanksgiving  buffet dinner in the Oliver Wight Tavern and a Thanksgiving Dinner in the Bullard Tavern on the Common within the historical Village (admission, which is required, is additional and discounted).  

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, one of the highlights of the day will be another Shooting Match, and Saturday brings a re-created early New England wedding.  The Village is also open on Sunday, November 29, from 9:30 am to 4 pm.