Visiting history at Old Sturbridge Village
Back to school time doesn’t just bring up memories of school supplies, chalk dust, and the JC Penney catalog for me. It’s during this time that I fondly look back at the many fall field trips I attended as a student and later as a teacher and chaperone. There were trips to the fire station, apple orchards, and then one of my favorites, a bus ride out to Old Sturbridge Village. Located an hour outside of Boston, Old Sturbridge Village brings New England history alive for children and adults.
Historical Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village opened to visitors in 1946 to showcase the collection of New England artifacts gathered together by the Wells family. What would eventually become the largest outdoor history museum in the northeast was once a farm and contained a sawmill, gristmill, and millpond.
The Wells family purchased the farm and added buildings from nearby towns and states to make up a working village. Today, Old Sturbridge Village contains 59 buildings on over 200 acres of land.
Hands on history
The 1830s are brought to life and every aspect of that period is on display and in action as you walk through the bustling town. Guests are encouraged to watch as staff members quilt, cook, farm and go about their ordinary business of colonial life.
As a child, there were two stops that always brought special delight. First, there were the lambs, cows, and other livestock on the working farm. Second, it was also always quite an experience to see what the life of a schoolchild was like in the 1800s.
Children can also get a more hands-on encounter with history at the Samson’s Children Museum. Young visitors are encouraged to try on costumes, learn how to write with a quill pen, and immerse themselves in other common activities.
Special events at Old Sturbridge Village
Every season brings a new feel to the village. In the spring, it’s the birth of farm animals and in the summer, carriage rides. In the winter, guests can ice skate or ride on a horse-drawn sleigh. Old Sturbridge Village also offers a variety of school programs and family days, including a home school day.
To learn more about Old Sturbridge Village or to plan a visit, take time to peruse www.osv.org.
Chris Flynn is mom to two rambunctious boys. A homebody at heart, Chris fell in love and found herself moving around like a gypsy. When she isn’t packing, on a plane, or in a car, you can find her at Mom’s Favorite Stuff or on Twitter.
Image of Sturbridge Village courtesy of wolfsavard.
