Virtual - The Real Thanksgiving with Bill Thierfelder

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 7:00—8:15 PM Online - Zoom **PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**   On the fourth Thursday of November every year, countless millions of Americans gather around the table--and the television--to enjoy a banquet, football, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s a tradition that goes back decades. But it wasn’t always so--and that’s what this program examines. We’ll look at that first sport-famished, non-Santa, un-apple-pie Thanksgiving in the early 17th century and see how that straight-forward, rather modest feast among early colonials and indigenous peoples transformed into the most widely celebrated event in our country, a day on which more Americans travel than any other holiday. We’ll explore regional traditions, folklore, music, and even a few recipes--and try to discover the “thanks” in Thanksgiving. Register directly on Zoom HERE. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Please register for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom. This program is hosted by the Groton Public Library, is brought to you in collaboration with the Chelmsford and Tewksbury Libraries, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. Sign up for our Ashland Public Library Newsletters! Return to main calendar