Mount Hope Farm To Celebrate 400 Years Since First Thanksgiving

BRISTOL, RI — Four centuries after settlers held the first Thanksgiving feasts in New England, myths and stories abound. This November, Bristol's Mount Hope Farm will hold a daylong celebration to educate the public and mark the 400th anniversary.

"To commemorate the quatercentenary of what we call Thanksgiving today, we are hosting experiences ranging from story hours, crafts, hayrides and a story walk along our Farm’s trail to a theater presentation, book discussion and a rare opportunity to visit King Philip’s Seat,” said Brenda Turchetta, Mount Hope Farm's executive director.

The celebration will be held Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a discussion featuring a panel of historians at 5:30 p.m. The Pokanoket Nation will hold a living history encampment featuring cooking demonstrations, basket weaving and teachings about traditional herbal medicines, along with performances by Native American drummers.

The panel discussion will include local historians Donald Brown, Patrick Conley and David Weed, who will discuss myths and truths about the three-day feast between local Indigenous tribes and pilgrims that marked the first Thanksgiving celebration.

While the pilgrim settlers were in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Mount Hope Farm has a special connection to the 1621 celebration. Massasoit Ousamequin, the "great leader" of the Pokanoket, lived in the area where the farm now stands, and traveled with 90 tribal members to the Thanksgiving feast.

"We look forward to the opportunity to welcome Pokanoket including Sagamore Po Wauipi Neimpaug (William Guy), the tenth generation descendant of the Massasoit Osamequin, who will be on hand to relay the history of his people," Turchetta said.

The event and parking will be free, though some events will require preregistration due to capacity restrictions. See the full schedule below.

Pokanoket Tribal Encampment

Learn more about the first residents of Mount Hope lands from members of the Pokanoket Tribe and visit a real Native American Wetu. Ongoing outdoor activities include cooking demonstrations, basket weaving and crafts, and discussion of herbal medicines.

• Native American drummers: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Tribal story telling: 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children’s Story Hour and Crafts with Mrs. Katz

Mrs. Katz and Her Hats join us from Bristol’s Rogers Free Library to read Thanksgiving stories and to make related crafts.

• Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Preregistration required

Hay Wagon Rides

Enjoy the beautiful vistas of our Mount Hope Farm property as you traverse our trails on a hay wagon ride generously provided by Frerichs Farm of Warren.

• Time: Ongoing throughout the day.

Theatre Presentation: Arriving on the Mayflower

Improv players from Roger Williams University tell the story of John Aden and his fellow travelers, including their trip on the Mayflower and early days in New England.

• Time: Outside the Barn at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Visits to King Philip’s Seat

A rare opportunity to visit the site where King Philip (Metacomet) met with tribal leaders throughout the region. Pokanoket Sagamore Po Wauipi Neimpaug (William Guy), the tenth generation descendant of the Massasoit Osamequin, will be on hand to relay the history of his people. Preregistration required.

Book Discussion and Tea: The Flight of the Sparrow

Amy Belding Brown’s historical novel explores a Puritan woman’s life with Native Americans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1676. Read the book (available at Rogers Free Library, Amazon, etc.) and join in the discussion of this evocative tale.

• Time: 2 p.m. at the Governor Bradford Inn
• Preregistration required

Story Walk: Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message

This beautiful book about the importance of giving thanks every day is on display along our Farm’s trail. Take a walk and enjoy its artistry and its message.

• Time:Ongoing throughout the day.

Video Presentation: Meet William Bradford

The Pilgrims were crossing the Atlantic when William Bradford suggested they sign the Mayflower Contract to enact their own laws and elect leaders for a free government. Plus, he is recognized for suggesting the first feast of Thanksgiving. Learn more about his story in this video presentation.

• Time: Ongoing throughout the day, in the barn.

What Really Happened at the First Thanksgiving: A Panel Discussion

Join local historians Donald Brown, Patrick Conley and David Weed to explore myths and truths about the first Thanksgiving that brought together the Pilgrims and Native Americans in a three-day harvest celebration and feast.

• Time: 5:30 p.m. in the barn.
• Refreshments will be served
• Preregistration required