Fun & interesting Thanksgiving history for kids ~ The Godmother of Thanksgiving ~ Sarah Josepha Hale

How did the National Holiday of Thanksgiving originate?

Americans celebrate the holiday known as Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday of November each year.

But how did this holiday come about?

One woman on a mission Sarah Josepha Hale (1788 – 1879) – often called The Godmother of Thanksgiving...

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In 1827, Hale began a campaign for a national holiday that would give citizens an opportunity to come together as communities and rejoice –  “a national festival and observed by all our people,” she wrote.

But it wouldn’t be until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln would declare this national holiday in his famous Thanksgiving Proclamation – October 3, 1863.

Thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale’s spunk, intelligence and persistence, we have Thanksgiving Day. And we also have the song Mary Had a Little Lamb, written by Sarah, published in 1830 and considered the best known nursery rhyme in the English language!

Enjoy the celebration of Thanksgiving today and take a moment to tell your kids and grandkids about Sarah Josepha Hale.

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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