History was made and rediscovered on November 22nd, 2025! That's when about one hundred guests gathered in Philadelphia for a truly unique celebration — The 1890s Vegan Thanksgiving Gala. This living history banquet transported attendees back to the Golden Age of meatless meals, with ragtime music, mocktails, vintage gowns, and delicious plant-based dishes adapted from original 19th-century vegetarian recipes. Beyond its pageantry, the event was a tribute to the enduring roots of the plant-based movement in America — a philosophy far older than many realize.

In this episode of the UnchainedTV Truth Files, host Jane Velez-Mitchell is joined by two powerful voices in the plant-based movement: Seth Tibbott, creator and founder of Tofurky, and Anne Dinshah, CEO of the American Vegan Society. Together, they reflect on the gala and examine the long, rich history of veganism in the U.S., from its early visionaries to its contemporary resurgence.

3 decades ago, Seth Tibbott brought veganism into the cultural mainstream with his launch of Tofurky — a groundbreaking product that forever changed the way Thanksgiving could be celebrated. But, more recently, he was shocked to discover that, way back in the 1890’s, vegetarians were whipping up alternatives to eating actual turkeys. The Chestnut-Eggplant “Turkey” served at the gala paid homage to meatless recipes of that long bygone era, a dish that got rave reviews. In all, almost a dozen chefs joined forces to help veganize and modernize different vegetarian dishes from over a century ago.

Anne Dinshah’s connection to this legacy runs deep. Her father, Jay Dinshah, was a foundational figure in the rise of veganism in both America and the world. In 1960, Jay founded the American Vegan Society, which became a beacon for compassionate living, plant-based education, and nonviolent values. His wife, Freya, also played a major role in its growth, spearheading decades of vegan outreach, publishing, food-prep demonstrations, and community-building.

Together, Seth and Anne explore the deeper truth: veganism in America is not a fad, but a deeply rooted ethical and cultural movement. From the founding fathers to modern-day galas, this conversation reveals how history and vision continue to shape a more compassionate future.

For more information, visit: https://americanvegan.org/