Library of Congress
This is an online event. You can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqd-Cqrj8uHta750bkXj81uYTzmWr00cn0
The story behind our holidays is fascinating, partly because they change so much, but also tell us a lot about ourselves. On Thursday, Nov. 16, a week before the big day, we’ll relate some fresh research into the unpredictable story of a Knoxville Thanksgiving. It began as a regional holiday, but for decades what was Thanksgiving in parts of New England was just a chilly Thursday here. But something happened in or around 1846 that suddenly got us talking about it. We’ll outline how Whig politicians, church leaders, enterprising immigrants, and a couple of journalists from New Hampshire had an influence on how Knoxville celebrates the holiday. You might want to take notes for a shopping list; we’ll also offer a surprising description of an authentically intoxicating 19th-century Knoxville Thanksgiving dinner.
Sponsor an Educational Zoom: Please help fund this ongoing series by sponsoring the next or another upcoming talk. For a donation of $100 we’ll recognize you on promotions and on the slideshow. Please contact paul@knoxhistoryproject.org for further information.
