Strawberry Thanksgiving

On Saturday, June 21, Plimoth Patuxet Museums celebrated Strawberry Thanksgiving. This day filled with gratitude and celebration was presented by Museum Educators on the Historic Patuxet Homesite.

Mother and child guest engage with Educators at the Shade Arbor on the Historic Patuxet Homesite

"Heart Berry" and the Beginning of Summer

Since time immemorial Eastern Woodland Peoples have marked the beginning of summer with the ripening of strawberries, the first berry of the season. Known as a “heart berry,” communities gather together on the full moon to harvest and celebrate this gift from the Creator with feasting, games, songs, and dance.

“Strawberry Thanksgiving is a time to be outside and enjoy moments with friends and family. We were so pleased to welcome all members of the community who joined us this Strawberry Thanksgiving to learn more about Wampanoag culture and lifeways.”

-Malissa Costa, Guest Experience Manager at the Historic Patuxet Homesite.
Indigenous educators mishoon plimoth patuxet
Guests in pairs of two hold hands and participate in a Wampanoag dance on the Historic Patuxet Homesite.

Strawberry Thanksgiving 2025 Gallery

The day featured special, educational activities including archery, a traditional clambake, a mishoon burn, and demonstrations of Wampanoag song and dance with opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement.