Historically Minded: Book Club for Robert Mackenzie's The First Thanksgiving

A 4 Week Book Club for Homeschool Moms

This fall, gather with fellow homeschool moms for a rich and eye-opening study of The First Thanksgiving: What the Real Story Tells Us About Loving God and Learning from History by Robert Tracy McKenzie.

More than a history lesson, this 4-week book club, beginning on Wednesday October 29th and finishing on Wednesday November 19th, explores how we remember the past—and why it matters. Together, we’ll rethink and discuss the story of The First Thanksgiving, challenge common myths, and learn how to think historically about the past. 

🍁 Perfect for those moms:

• seeking a deeper, more thoughtful take on Thanksgiving

• who want to learn how to think historically about the past
  

• who seek a more humble approach to history 

• who crave interesting and engaging discussion about how history is made and remade over time

📚 What’s Included:

• Four Weekly 60 minute Live Zoom Calls on Wednesday evenings at 6pm Mountain Standard Time where you get to join with other moms and myself to discuss the weekly reading, themes it introduces in more deeply, how to apply these ideas to your own family's history study and more. You will leave each session with a wider understanding of the First Thanksgiving, historical thinking in general and new ideas to challenge you. 

• A Printable Discussion Guide that you can use to help prepare you for each session as well as record thoughts during the session and reflect after each session. It will include the reading assignment and questions to ponder before each session.

• Recorded Zoom Sessions emailed to you weekly in case you weren't able to join that particular session and want to stay connected to the group.

• An opportunity to practice historical thinking grounded in faith and humility, ask questions and challenge your own thinking about the past with other moms who want to do the same. 

🗓️ Overview:

Session 1: Evidence + Context — October 29th 
Session 2: Connecting with the Past — November 5th
Session 3: Myth Making + National Identity — November 12th
Session 4: Learning from the Past — November 19th

This isn’t just about correcting Thanksgiving trivia—it’s about developing the tools to approach all of history with discernment, humility, and a heart to love God more deeply. Fill up your own mind with living ideas and engaging discussion so you can be more ready to do the same back at home with your own children. 

While The First Thanksgiving is written from a Christian point of view, everyone is welcome in this discussion, regardless of background or beliefs. The themes of historical truth, national memory, and humility are universal—and I believe every participant will find insight and meaning in our conversations.

Come ready for real conversations and a book that will challenge your thinking and how you interact with the past!