Old Sturbridge Village

Interest Areas: Cooking, Crafts, Education, Environment / Nature, Genealogy, History / Heritage, Architecture, Animals, Holidays

A visit to Old Sturbridge Village is a journey into the past during a very special period of our nation's history! In the years 1790-1840 a new nation took shape. In rural towns across New England, ordinary people worked to better their lives, build strong communities, apply new technologies, and define the meaning of democracy.

Year-round, you'll discover the allure of history with all five senses at one of America's finest museums. Expanded learning and hands-on opportunities for all ages are offered throughout the museum, which features a re-created rural 1830s New England town set on a historical landscape encompassing a Center Village, Mills Area, and Countryside.

The museum's new, indoor History Gateway, in the Visitor Center, includes "Kidstory" early learning gallery -- making connections with the Village for children and their families -- and "Icons of New England," a new interactive exhibit that introduces visitors to the history behind what makes New England the unique region that it is!

Also offered are "A Child's Life" in the Fitch House; meet the animals; children's dooryard, schoolyard, and indoor games; role-playing at the District School; as well as historical characters, walks, talks, and performances. Hands-on craft activities, artist- and craftsperson- in-residence programs, adult and multi-generational craft workshops, and spectacular seasonal events are planned throughout the year!

The Shops at Old Sturbridge Village (across from the Visitor Center) house an award-winning Museum Gift Shop, the New England Bookstore, and a Bake Shop. Village admission is not required for The Shops at OSV or the Herb Garden adjacent to the Gift Shop.

Village hours and admission rates change by season; visit our Web site, www.osv.org, or call 800-SEE-1830 to confirm.