November is National Native American Heritage Month! Since 1990, Native American Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples while highlighting the ongoing challenges facing Native communities and the changing federal recognition of their heritage. This is a time of celebration and an opportunity to raise awareness of Indigenous history and contemporary Native issues and to recognize the Native people who enrich our nation’s culture and society. It is the culmination of a centuries-long effort to recognize the substantial contributions of Indigenous peoples. Learn more about Native American Heritage Month at nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov
Tuesday | November 3, 2026 | 7 – 8 PM | ONLINE
Spurred by the French and Indian War, Pontiac’s Rebellion and the Proclamation Line, the American Revolution changed the world and ultimately the land that would become the United States. Indigenous nations were placed in a position to decide how best to protect their lands and people. Working on promises made to them by the Patriot cause, many nations ultimately fought for the Colonists. Learn who these nations were, what their contributions were to the struggle for Independence and the the ultimate betrayal they faced afterwards.
Monday | November 16, 2026 | 7 – 8 PM | Main Library
In celebration of Native American History Month, this month’s pick is: Nothing More of This Land by Joseph Lee. Copies available to borrow at the first floor help desk a month prior. Light Refreshments such as coffee, tea, and hot cocoa will be available.
Before Martha’s Vineyard became one of the most iconic vacation destinations in the country, it was home to the Wampanoag people. The island has become increasingly unaffordable for tribal members, with nearly three-quarters now living off-island. Growing up Aquinnah Wampanoag, Joseph Lee grappled with what this situation meant for his tribe, how the community can continue to grow, and more broadly, what it means to be Indigenous. Lee weaves his own story and that of his family into a narrative of Indigenous life around the world. Along the way he meets activists fighting to protect their land, families clashing with their own tribal leaders, and communities working to reclaim tradition.
Tuesday | November 24, 2026 | 7 – 8:15 PM | ONLINE
On the fourth Thursday of November every year, countless millions of Americans gather around the table–and the television–to enjoy a banquet, football, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s a tradition that goes back decades. But it wasn’t always so–and that’s what this program examines. We’ll look at that first sport-famished, non-Santa, un-apple-pie Thanksgiving in the early 17th century and see how that straight-forward, rather modest feast among early colonials and indigenous peoples transformed into the most widely celebrated event in our country, a day on which more Americans travel than any other holiday. We’ll explore regional traditions, folklore, music, and even a few recipes–and try to discover the “thanks” in Thanksgiving.
These programs are made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library. To find out more about their work and how you can get involved, visit the Friends of the Library webpage.