Old Sturbridge Village In Central Massachusetts
Re-Creation Of A 19th Century New England Rural Community
Nov 27, 2008
Old Sturbridge Village is located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, approximately an hour’s drive from Boston and a three hour drive from New York City. Easily accessible from the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate 84, Old Sturbridge Village is worth the drive.
Employees on the grounds are dressed in authentic costumes for the period and many of the buildings are direct replicas or restored structures. The time period is 1790 to 1840, and this is life in rural New England:
- Transportation is by foot, horse or horse-drawn carriage or sleigh
- Food is cooked over an open hearth
- The average work day is 12 hours long
- Bedrooms double as pantries during cold New England winters
- There are fields to be farmed, animals to be tended and wool to be spun and made into clothing
Old Sturbridge Village Grounds
Located on 200 acres the Old Sturbridge Village should take an afternoon to visit and explore. More than forty buildings are open to the public including:
- Shoe shop
- Parsonage
- Houses
- Grist, saw and carding mills
- Several barns
- Blacksmith shop
- A bank and tavern
- Printing office
- Cider mill
- Village school
A unique reproduction pottery kiln stands at the top of the hill from the town’s pound, a stone walled pen where stray livestock are kept until claimed by their owners.
Things to do at Old Sturbridge Village
The Old Sturbridge Village is open year round, often times on holidays with special events scheduled. Depending on the season visitors to the village may enjoy a ride in the stagecoach, or a relaxing stroll through the common and around the farms.
In the tin shop demonstrations of tinwork are shared with the public. Scoops and pitchers are made as well as other useful items for a 19th century kitchen or tavern.
Learn the difference between modern money and bank notes used in the 1830’s at the Thompson Bank, a Greek Revival building transported from Connecticut.
Other opportunities to explore New England life in the 19th century include:
- Cooking traditional meals
- Exploring crafts from woodworking to blacksmithing
- Year-round gardening workshops and exhibits
- Seasonal chores such as sheep shearing in the spring, maple sugaring in the early spring, harvest food storage and horse-drawn cider mill in the fall
Visit Old Sturbridge Village
Children and adults will find interest in the Old Sturbridge Village. Approximately half of the buildings and property is handicap accessible; inquire by phone or upon arrival for recommended routes by wheelchair.
There are multiple restroom facilities at the village as well as baby changing stations. Food and refreshments can be found in the Village Café at the main entrance, and the bake shop and tavern located in the museum common.
The Old Sturbridge Village is located at 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, United States of America. The museum can be reached toll free at 800-733-1830 or 508-347-3362. Parking is free, admissions are charged as adults, seniors (65+), youths (3-17 years), and children under three are admitted free. Membership options are available and provide benefits to local or frequent visitors.
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