The Mayflower
We have been studying the history of the Pilgrims in England in previous years leading up to Thanksgiving. This year, in the six weeks leading up to Thanksgiving we will take a look at the Mayflower voyage and landing. We … Continued
Did my Ancestors Come Over on the Mayflower?
Yesterday, we celebrated Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving tradition in America originated with the Pilgrims that came over on the Mayflower. There were 102 passengers {plus crew} that came over on the Mayflower. However, by the end of that first winter over … Continued
History of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The highlight for many households is the annual Macy’s Day Parade. So, let’s take a look at the long history behind the parade. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is an annual event to watch for many American households. The … Continued
How did our Ancestors spend their Thanksgiving?
We all know the story of the first thanksgiving, but did you know that it has changed considerably since then. I would like to briefly explore the history of Thanksgiving. We seem to take for granted some times that … Continued
Celebrate the History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is upon us! However, many of our ancestors did not celebrate the modern Thanksgiving we know today. Yes, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. Not until George Washington was President, was another Thanksgiving celebrated … Continued
The Church of England and the Puritans
Unable to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII decided to take the matter into his own hands. In 1534, he denounced Catholicism and formed the Church of England. King Henry VIII was disappointed that his … Continued
ALook at the Mayflower Voyage: What is a Puritan?
The word has historically been used to characterize the Protestant group as extremists. However, in more modern times the word means against pleasure. The word was used in Thomas Fuller 1564 Church History. In 1560, the term was used … Continued
ALook at the Mayflower Voyage: What is a Pilgrim?
The term pilgrim was first used in the 1596 Confession of Faith. The definition at that time meant, “their own idea of life on earth as a pilgrimage towards heavenly bliss.” William Bradford was the first to refer to the … Continued