Long before Europeans arrived in North America, Indigenous peoples held ceremonies, dances, and rituals to ensure a successful harvest. The first recorded Thanksgiving service held by Europeans took place, on May 27, 1578, in Newfoundland. Some historians also believe that the Popham Colony in Maine held a similar service in 1607, still well before the more widely known Pilgrim celebration in 1621.

While Thanksgiving was often tied to autumn harvests, its meaning grew over time. In 1789, Elias Boudinot, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey, proposed a national day of thanks to acknowledge the creation of the Constitution and the freedoms it promised. President George Washington supported the idea and proclaimed a national “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.”

The holiday continued to evolve throughout the 19th century. Beginning in 1827, Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Ladies’ Magazine and Godey’s Lady’s Book, promoted Thanksgiving by publishing stories, menus, and recipes that helped shape many of the traditions observed today. Finally, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would be observed annually on the fourth Thursday of November.

Today, Thanksgiving is widely viewed as a time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and reflect with gratitude on the blessings and challenges of the year. For many, it’s also a moment to acknowledge the complex history behind the holiday and to honor the resilience and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

Here is what some members of the Swampscott community are thankful for this season.

Superintendent Jason Calichman:

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to work and live in such a wonderful community and to collaborate with our teachers and families to provide our students with a superior, well-rounded educational experience. 

Town Administrator Nick Connors:

I’m thankful for this new opportunity I’ve embarked on joining the amazing team and hard-working staff with the Town. It’s been evident since before my first day how committed the employees of the town are and I’m thankful to have the chance to work alongside them. 

Select Board Member David Grishman:

Thankful for my family, friends, and of course Swampscott residents who care and are involved. Without all three I, and the board, would not be successful. Happy Thanksgiving.

Select Board Member Daniele Leonard:

This year hasn’t been easy—I worry so much about what’s happening in our country and our town. But even in tough times, I’m reminded of just how much I have to be grateful for: my incredible wife Katelyn, who is my rock, our two amazing kids, Shea and Tate, who make me laugh and smile every day, our close knit family, and our good health. I’m grateful to call Swampscott our home, and to be surrounded by good friends and neighbors who make living in this town fun and enjoyable. That’s what gives me hope.

Director of the Public Library Jonathan Nichols:

This year, I’m especially thankful for our incredible community and the way people have embraced the library. We’ve welcomed a record number of visitors, offered amazing programs and innovative initiatives, and seen amazing participation across all ages. It’s inspiring to see how much the library continues to bring people together, and I’m grateful to be part of something that means so much to so many.

Select Board Chair Katie Phelan: 

My family and our community.

Select Board Vice Chair Doug Thompson:

There is so much to be thankful for! Of course, first of all, my incredible family and friends. I am also thankful for my Select Board colleagues. They are very dedicated public servants who are contributing significantly to many positive developments in Swampscott.  And I am very grateful for the passionate Committee Members and all of Town Staff who work so hard to maintain and develop Swampscott into an even better place to live.

Police Chief Ruben Quesada:

I am thankful for my family’s love, support, and patience in allowing me to live my dreams as the Swampscott Chief of Police. I am also thankful for the men and women of our great department who work tirelessly for our community day in and out. Including all those officers who are working on Thanksgiving while the rest of us are with our family and loved ones. 

Director of Aging Services Heidi Whear:

There is so much to be thankful for!  Here are a few:

A dedicated, brilliant, creative, and caring staff that provide exceptional care to everyone who walks through our doors. Supportive and emotionally intelligent members of our Council on Aging, Swampscott for All Ages and Community Life Center Feasibility Task Force who work with us to help move our agenda of caring for aging adults in Swampscott forward. A tight knit community, including town leadership that works together to make Swampscott a wonderful place to live and work. 

When I step outside my office, I’m especially thankful for a safe home with a loving husband, family and group of friends including my church community. I’m thankful that I can walk home or to the shopping center without fear. I’m thankful that I currently have the right and ability to express my thoughts and feelings freely and pray that everyone can do the same. And finally, I’m grateful to have Monica Sager and the whole team behind Swampscott Tides for all the hard work you do to help make Swampscott shine!