Thanksgiving Interactive: You are the Historian
What really happened at the First Thanksgiving?
Become a history detective and find out!
In this fun, award-winning activity, kids take on the role of “history detectives” to investigate what really happened at the famous 1621 celebration. (Hint: It was a lot more than just a feast!) Along the way, they’ll read a letter written by an eyewitness to the event, learn about Wampanoag traditions of giving thanks, and visit Pilgrim Mary Allerton’s home. As a final activity, kids can design and print their own Thanksgiving exhibit panel.
Your investigation begins HERE!
Great for kids (and adults) of all ages, the activities are designed to address Massachusetts’ and national curriculum standards. Click here to preview the Teacher's Guide.
What You'll Need
- Adobe Flash Player
- Internet Explorer 8 or better
- Firefox 3 or better
- Speakers or headphones - make sure your volume is turned up
- For best viewing, set your screen resolution to 1024x768
Downloading
Due to the extremely high level of interest during the Thanksgiving season, you may experience slow response and loading times. Avoid internet traffic slow-downs by downloading the application and playing it from your hard drive.
Save the file OLC_Install.zip to your hard drive and un-zip the contents. Once the "You are the Historian" folder is uncompressed, double click the "Start_Here.html" file contained inside to begin using the application.
You are the Historian is a production of Plimoth Plantation. This project was supported by a congressionally directed grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, and by other generous donors.
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