
Thanksgiving Theme Learning Ideas and Resources
Thanksgiving Field Trip Ideas for Everyone
I've included links to living history settlements, such as pioneer villages, while they focus primarily on living in the 1800s, not the pilgrim's life of 1620, things changed at a much slower pace than they do today. You will find many similarities with which to draw comparisons. How was life the same?
How was life different living in pilgrim settlements? So, take notes and ask your students how they believe life differed between these two time periods in history.
- Pioneer Village
Salem 1630 - Salem, MA
America's first living history museum is not Colonial Williamsburg or Plymouth Plantation but Salem's own Pioneer Village. Five thousand plants, trees and shrubs representing species known to have grown in the Salem area in 1630 added an air of authenticity. So did the recreated sawpit, salt works, and blacksmith shop. The city's newest historic attraction even boasted a replica of John Winthrop's ship Arbella. - Plimoth Plantation
Plymouth as it was in the 17th century - Plymouth, MA
Generations of families, millions of school children and countless people from all over the world have visited here and participated in Plimoth Plantation's educational experiences that spark the imagination, delight the senses, touch the heart and enrich the mind. - Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, MA
Old Sturbridge Village is a "must-see" destination to experience early New England life from 1790-1840. One of the country's largest living history museums, OSV has historians in costume, antique buildings, water-powered mills and a working farm. - Mayflower House Museum
Take an online tour or visit in person. - Plymouth, MA
Across the street and around the corner from Plymouth Rock, in the heart of this quaint village's historic district, is the Mayflower Society House. The grounds host the historic eighteenth century dwelling built by Edward Winslow. Behind this stately mansion are the offices and library of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. - See How America Grew at Pioneer Village
Minden, NE
The Pioneer Village complex comprises 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value, restored to operating order, arranged in groups and also in the chronological order of their development. - Pioneer Living History Village
Phoenix, AZ
Located in North Phoenix, you'll visit over 90 acres of an old 1800's town, with no cars or smog! Just authentic buildings and historically accurate reproductions. - Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village
Waynesville, OH
Come and enjoy a step back in time as you tour the historical Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village. Pick up a self guided tour at any of our cabins for additional historical information. Pioneer Village is open to the public to walk through anytime during daylight hours. - Black Creek Pioneer Village
- North York, ON (Canada)
How did people live in pioneer days? What did they wear? What did they eat and what did they learn at school? Daily life was very different, and yet familier, in interesting ways. This route gives you a chance to explore the world the way it was in early Ontario and experience real people's lives - in homes and buildings that were actually inhabited and used in those times. - Barron County Pioneer Village Museum
- Cameron, WI
The museum is open for School Tours for two weeks in May prior to the regular season opening. During a school tour, students are able to do a variety of activities, from engaging in a scavenger hunt though the exhibits, to having a lesson taught in the Joliet School, just to name a few. - Pioneer Village
- Corsicana, TX
Pioneer Village Historical Museum is a re-creation of pioneer days in Corsicana and Navarro County with replicas of old buildings and information about Navarro County. It is also home to the Lefty Frizzell Statue and Museum. - The Pumpkin Patch
- Yucaipa, CA
We offer a number of different tours designed to meet the needs and budgets of all. We offer lots of activities and an interactive website. Parking is available for over 500 cars and 30 busses accommodating most any size group. Scheduled your Pumpkin Patch tour early while space is available. - Columbia State Historic Park
- Columbia, CA
The town's old Gold Rush-era business district has been preserved with shops, restaurants and two hotels. Visitors have the chance to time-travel to the 1850s, imagining life when gold miners rubbed shoulders with businessmen and the other residents in Columbia. Visitors can experience a bygone era watching proprietors in period clothing conduct business in the style of yesterday. There are opportunities to ride a 100 year-old stagecoach, pan for gold, and explore the real working businesses of Columbia. - Cashmere Washington Pioneer Village
- Cashmere, WA
Old Mission, our Pioneer Village, consists of 20 original structures brought in from the local area, mostly by explorer scouts. While outside strolling through the village take a moment to enjoy the beautiful grounds, with many native and heirloom plants around the cabins lovingly tended to by our staff and volunteers. - Little Log House Pioneer Village
- Hastings, MN
The Little Log House Pioneer Village is a site to see for any one who enjoys stepping back in time and history. With their passion for preservation, Steve and Sylvia Bauer created a restored pioneer village to display some of southern Minnesota's most prized historical artifacts. The site of the Little Log House Pioneer Village was once used for farming and was a part of Steve and Sylvia's 160 acre farm.
Before you head off on a great adventure, why not learn a little more before your field trip, there are lots of neat places online.
Life in 1620
- Wampanoag Life After 1620 - After 1620, despite the invasion of their homeland, the Wampanoag successfully struggled to maintain their communities and their spiritual lands. History books often focus on the Pilgrim story and omit Wampanoag history. As a result, myths about Metacom, land sales, and the First Thanksgiving have replaced the recorded facts.
- Life on Plymouth Plantation - Have you ever wondered what life was like 375 years ago in America? What did the men, women, and children first see and experience when they landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620? These brave people left their homes in England to escape religious persecution by immigrating to America! [Teacher Guide]
- Life in the 1620's - A photo journal of a trip to Plimoth Plantation
- The Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony: 1620 - A study guide prepared by Duane A. Cline for use by teachers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the Pilgrims and their Pokanoket friends of the Wampanoag Nation.