‘The First Official Thanksgiving’ explores the holiday’s origins

“The First Official Thanksgiving” tells the story of what some historians might call the first “official, English-speaking” Thanksgiving held in the Americas. ‘The First Official Thanksgiving” challenges the long-held belief that America’s first Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts through dramatic re-enactment and interviews from Graham Woodlief, a descendant of Capt. John Woodlief, Karla K. Bruno, author and biographer of Dr. Lyon Tyler, Chief Stephen Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe, and several other individuals. The show also chronicles how the discovery of the Nibley papers led to a friendly rivalry between Virginia and Massachusetts about who can rightfully lay claim to the birth of America’s Thanksgiving holiday. “The First Official Thanksgiving” airs Thursday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m.

A green monster with a goofy grin holds a large toothbrush. Text: HealthySmileLearning.org Video Contest: How does your favorite monster brush its teeth?
Oct. 8

Digital Video Contest 2023

Hispanic Heritage Awards image
airs Sept. 29

Hispanic Heritage Awards

Tito Munoz conducting the Phoenix Symphony
aired Sept. 25

Opening Night: A Romantic Evening

A ferris wheel at a state fair in the evening

See Fairytales on Ice: Beauty and the Beast at the Arizona State Fair

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters

STAY in touch
with azpbs.org!

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters: