Thanksgiving turkey was not at the first feast, local dietitian finds
Michelle Rivera
Michelle Rivera
Reporter · Cleveland, OH
Michelle, an Ohio State University graduate, has spent over six years focusing on community issues in Cleveland, including social justice and local initiatives. She has previously written for NPR's local affiliates, where she honed her storytelling skills to highlight diverse community voices.
More from Michelle →Reporter · Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 1:29 PM · 1 min read
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Turkey, the centerpiece of the modern Thanksgiving meal, probably wasn’t part of the first celebration in 1621. It may not have entered the scene until after Abraham Lincoln declared the holiday in 1863.