Mount Hope Farm will present a day filled with family-friendly, educational and engaging events to mark the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The events will be followed by a panel discussion by local historians at 5:30 p.m.

“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,” says Brenda Turchetta, executive director at Mount Hope Farm.

Other events include performances by Native American drummers and a living history encampment with members of the Pokanoket Tribe, featuring cooking demonstrations, basket weaving, and an opportunity to learn more about traditional herbal medicines.

The day will conclude with a panel discussion featuring local historians Donald Brown, Patrick Conley, Ph.D., and David Weed, Psy.D., exploring myths and truths about the first Thanksgiving that brought together the Pilgrims and Native Americans in a three-day harvest feast.

Mount Hope Farm enjoys a bond with the first harvest celebrated by the colonists in Plymouth, Mass. At the center of the 1621 feast was Massasoit Ousamequin, the “great leader” of the Pokanoket (also known as Chief Massasoit and The Great Sachem), who traveled from his home on Mount Hope lands and the land of Sowams (Rhode Island’s East Bay region) with 90 of his men to join the Pilgrims. According to Dr. Weed, coordinator of the Sowams Heritage Area Project, the Pokanoket was the headship tribe of a Nation to which more than 60 tribes, bands and clans throughout New England gave allegiance.

“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,” said Turchetta.

Both the event and parking are free, and entry to Mount Hope Farm, as always, is free. Some events will require registration due to capacity restrictions. A food vendor will be on site, and visitors are invited to explore the Farm’s trails and enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds using the Farm’s new walking tour app.

The day’s schedule will include:

• 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. Plus, enjoy Native American drummers (11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and tribal story telling (1:30, 2:30 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. Held in the Barn at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Craft session requires registration.)

• Hay Wagon Rides

Enjoy the beautiful vistas of Mount Hope Farm as you traverse our trails on a hay wagon ride generously provided by Frerichs Farm of Warren. 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. Outside the Barn at noon 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. Attendance limited; please register.

• 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 Mass Bay Colony in 1676. Read the book (available at Rogers Free Library, Amazon, etc.) and join in the discussion of this evocative tale. Held at 2 p.m. in the Governor Bradford Inn. Please register.

• 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 the Farm’s trail. Take a walk and enjoy its artistry and its message. 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. Ongoing in the Barn.

• ‘What Really Happened at the First Thanksgiving: A Panel Discussion’

Join local historians Donald Brown, Patrick Conley, Ph.D., and David Weed, Psy.D., as they explore myths and truths about the first Thanksgiving that brought together the Pilgrims and Native Americans in a three-day harvest celebration and feast. In the Barn at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Registration required.

The 400th Anniversary of the First Thanksgiving at Mount Hope Farm is presented in partnership with Bristol’s Rogers Free Library with appreciation for grant funding from the Friends of Rogers Free Library.

For more information about the 400th Anniversary of the First Thanksgiving and register for specific events, visit mounthopefarm.org.