Proclamation Day Virtual 5k

Did you know that prior to Thanksgiving being established as a national holiday, various states observed it on different days? In early October 1863, as the Civil War raged on and national unity was badly needed, William Seward convinced President Lincoln to standardize the holiday. “We ought to have a national holiday, all over the country, instead of letting the Governors of States name half a dozen different days,” Seward argued. When Lincoln agreed, Seward produced a draft of a national Thanksgiving Proclamation. The two men sat together, tinkering with the language, until each was satisfied.

President Lincoln issued the Seward-inspired document on October 3, 1863. The proclamation heralded that the year had been “filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies” while gratefully reflecting that “diversions of wealth and strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plough.” For those reasons, and others, the President urged all Americans to set aside November 26, 1863 as a day of giving thanks.

Get outside before the snow flies, and help support the Seward House Museum by running (or walking) 3.1 miles this month! This virtual 5k can be completed any time during the month of November - tag the Seward House Museum and #ProclamationDay5k in your photos for the chance to be featured on our social media pages. Registration is $40 and all proceeds will go towards the Museum. Each registrant will also receive a neck gaiter and official race shirt!

*Shirts will be available in December.