Lunch & Learn "The Evolution of Thanksgiving"

Thanksgiving is often associated with the 1621 harvest feast shared between the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people. However, the journey to its establishment as a national holiday is complex. In 1863, amid the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to foster unity. Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved, reflecting societal changes and cultural influences. In this session, Convivium’s Culinary Resource Director, Chef Cena, will present a fact-checked history of Thanksgiving, exploring its origins, transformation into a national holiday, and its cultural impact from past to present.

For participants planning to order food to eat during the presentation, please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead to place your order at the coffeeshop counter. Your lunch will then be brought to you in the Learning Center to enjoy while you learn!

Registration is appreciated but not required for this free program.

Instructor Bio: Cena Sharp, Convivium Urban Farmstead’s Culinary Resource Director*, is a talented chef and a true force of nature. Whether she’s leading one of her many cooking classes, processing harvests in the training kitchen, or gearing up for her next Lunch and Learn, Cena brings energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for sharing everything she knows about food.

She began her culinary career at the age of sixteen and went on to serve as executive chef in two kitchens. Along the way, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in history—a field she loves to intertwine with food in her engaging Lunch and Learn presentations.

Cena is an avid traveler, having explored Italy, Greece, France, and many parts of the U.S. Her travels continually inspire her creativity and deepen her appreciation for global cuisine. When she’s not at Convivium, Cena enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their four children: Dominic, Fiona, Evolette, and Sylvia.

*The Culinary Resource Director position is funded in part by a grant from the DRA.

Host or Publisher Convivium Urban Farmstead