November 2020 marked the 400th Anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth and establishing the first permanent colonial settlement in the New World. Crucial to their success was the friendship of Wampanoag leader Massasoit. Ironically, Massasoit’s son Metacom, also known as Philip, went to war with the colonies to try and regain their tribal land. This war, known as King Philip’s War, had the highest casualty rate per capita of any war fought by Americans including the Civil War. The war was also the first major war in America.

While most Americans understand the significance of the landing of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving with Massasoit, few are aware of the war and it ramifications. Join us virtually as NY Times bestselling author Michael Tougias gives a slide presentation on this topic.  He will also discuss the landing of the Mayflower, the hardships they faced, mistakes they made, and the help of Squanto and Samoset. 

Tougias is the author and co-author of 30 non-fiction books including the national bestsellers Rescue of the Bounty, A Storm Too Soon, Overboard! The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard’s Most Daring Rescue (now a Disney movie), So Close to Home: An American Family’s Fight for Survival During WWII and his award-winning book, There’s A Porcupine In My Outhouse! (Misadventures of a Mountain Man Wannabe). His book, Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do is the recipient of the American Library Association “Editors Choice” award. His latest books are Above & Beyond: JFK and America’s Most Dangerous Spy Mission, and a memoir titled The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures and the Healing Power of Nature More about the author can be found at www.michaeltougias.com .

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library.