The real history of the first Thanksgiving
Historian David Silverman tells the troubling history of the first Thanksgiving from the perspective of the Wampanoag.
Listen 49:00
(The First Thanksgiving by J.L.G. Ferris. circa 1912/Wikimedia Commons)
Guest: David Silverman
It’s the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving – and for some Native people, it’s a Day of Mourning. Historian DAVID SILVERMAN tells the story of contact between the Wampanoag and the Plymouth colonists from the Indian perspective in his new book, This Land Is Their Land. In it, he explores how the Wampanoag felt about the English, the tenuous relationship that developed, and their continuing struggle for self-determination.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
Thanksgiving lessons jettison Pilgrim hats, welcome truth
Instead of making Pilgrim hats, students are hearing what scholars call “hard history” — the more shameful aspects of the past.
3 years ago
At 100 years, Philly hosts nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating its 100th year. Here's a look back at photos of what began as a promotional event for Gimbels department store.
4 years ago
A lifetime of memories at Philly’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for Santa’s helper
Philadelphia’s holiday event has been serving up floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus, too, for a century.
4 years ago