17. The Story of Thanksgiving Part 1: The Separatists

Amidst the turmoil of religious persecution in 17th-century England, a small group of believers yearned for freedom—to worship God in their own way and preserve their cultural identity. These Separatists, later known as the Pilgrims, embarked on an extraordinary journey that took them from the quiet villages of England to bustling Holland, and ultimately across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World. Battling betrayal, loss, and unimaginable hardships, they sought to build a sanctuary where faith, hope, and community could flourish. In this episode, we explore the beginnings of their story, the trials they endured, and their vision to create a new life in America. Far from the simplified tale we learned in school, this is a rich, human story of conviction, sacrifice, and perseverance that laid the foundation for ideals that still shape America today. SOURCES: Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick and Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford.