Thanksgiving has always been a time for gratitude and togetherness, but few realize how deeply those traditions ran during the Civil War-era.

In November 2020, while working at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, I created a video that explored the story of Thanksgiving celebrations in wartime hospitals. This presentation demanded extensive research and, as always with my work at the Museum, I learned a ton about the Civil War-era and the lives of those who lived through it.

Through diaries, letters, and period accounts, I discovered how doctors, nurses, and volunteers came together to create moments of normalcy and a home-like atmosphere for sick and wounded soldiers. Even amid shortages and the harsh realities of war, these heroes found creative ways to organize feasts and distribute meals, reminding everyone that they still had much to be thankful for even as the war dragged on over years.

I loved producing these videos and presentations, because they allowed me to shine a light on holiday history that is often overlooked. The process challenged me to bring fresh perspectives and connect audiences with the human side of the Civil War.

If you’re curious about how Americans preserved (and created new) Thanksgiving traditions under extraordinary circumstances, I invite you to watch the video and share in this remarkable slice of history. And let me know what you think in the comments below.

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