Strawberry Thanksgiving at Plimoth Patuxet Museums (Plymouth)

Plimoth Patuxet Museums invites guests of all ages to celebrate Strawberry Thanksgiving on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Historic Patuxet Homesite.

Wuttáhimneash, the Wampanoag word for “strawberry”, is recognized as the first berry of the season. For Indigenous communities throughout the Northeast, the ripening of strawberries has long marked the approach of the summer solstice and a season of gathering with family and community. Strawberry Thanksgiving remains part of these longstanding traditions, offering a time to gather, give thanks, and honor the resilience, continuity, and living identity of Native People.

“Strawberry Thanksgiving is an opportunity for guests to learn about the significance of seasonal cycles in Wampanoag culture and to engage with traditions that continue to thrive today,” said Malissa Costa (Mashpee Wampanoag), Associate Director of Indigenous Outreach and Guest Experience. “We are honored to share this celebration with the community and visitors from across the region.”

Throughout the day, guests will experience special educational programming, live demonstrations, and cultural presentations centered on Wampanoag seasonal traditions and community practices.

Visitors to this annual event can explore Indigenous foodways during “Foodways of the First People,” a traditional cooking demonstration highlighting Native ingredients, seasonal harvesting, and historical lifeways. Guests will also experience traditional music, storytelling, and artistic traditions.

Additional activities include archery, corn husk doll making, and the burning of a mishoon, a traditional dugout canoe (weather permitting). These experiences offer opportunities for hands-on learning while fostering a deeper understanding of the enduring traditions and cultural heritage of the Wampanoag People.

“We welcome everyone to join us each year at Strawberry Thanksgiving to deepen their understanding of Wampanoag history and the traditions that have shaped this place for generations,” said Executive Director Tom Begley.

Access to all Strawberry Thanksgiving activities is included with general admission to Plimoth Patuxet.