Newt talks with author Melanie Kirkpatrick about establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States.
Newt’s talks with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of “Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience” and they discuss the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States. Kirkpatrick highlights the pivotal role of Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential author and editor, who campaigned for nearly two decades to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Her efforts culminated in President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, which set the last Thursday in November as a day for national thanksgiving. Kirkpatrick describes Hale’s significant contributions to American culture, including her advocacy for women’s education and employment, her influence through Godey’s Lady’s Book and her personal resilience, literary achievements, and lasting impact on American traditions and holidays.
Follow and listen to more of Newt’s World:
Guest:
Melanie Kirkpatrick
- Newt’s World Episode 835: Gary Rivlin on “AI Valley”
Newt talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin about his new book, “AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence.” - Newt’s World Episode 834: “Making Reagan”
Newt talks with Mark Joseph about his new book, “Making Reagan,” about the film starring Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan. - Newt’s World Episode 833: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House
Newt talks with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes about their new book “FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House.”
