I began an op-ed article with that question in the Patriot Ledger on Thanksgiving Day, 1993. Although I have continued learning about the Pilgrims and Puritans since, I will conclude as I did then.
“Thanksgiving as we know it was a blend of ancient religious and civil traditions with the food and customs of colonial New England. The story of its Pilgrim origins may have been embellished a bit by sentimental Victorians. However, its roots must surely be traced to Plymouth and the other towns of Old New England.”
Stephen Kenney, Director
Commonwealth Museum