Celebrating Another Year of Life, Steeped in History
Each year, as a gift to myself, we travel to a historic area in New England to celebrate my birthday. It’s an all-day event. Stay tuned for posts on those locations and the attractions we visited– I plan to review them all. This past August we made the one-hour trip to Sturbridge Village. I intentionally practiced restraint when preparing for this outing, I wanted to go into it with an open mind, with no pre-conceived expectations. Aside from the necessary information one would need for a day trip (location and hours, food options) I avoided viewing the map and exhibit information. When it came time to stroll through the streets of Old Sturbridge Village, we truly did feel like we were visiting a colonial town, an establishment complete with all the assets it would need to survive and thrive. While there were no expectations set, we were pleasantly surprised by the experience.
Sturbridge Spotlight
Located in the charming town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum that transports visitors back to the early 19th century. Spanning over 200 acres, this picturesque village showcases what life was like in rural New England from 1790 to 1840. As you stroll through the village, you’ll discover historic buildings, engaging exhibits, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life.
Exploring Old Sturbridge Village’s History
We can thank the Wells family for the Village we (now) know and love today. In the 1920’s, Albert Wells began to collect antique items. As his collection grew over the next decade, so did his aspirations. With the assistance of his relatives and the purchase of Quinebaug Farm, they began to build a living, and ever-growing, village.
Tips and Insights
- Plan your visit according to the event calendar. For added fun and historical immersion- attend on a special event date or during seasonal-themed events such as Phantoms by Firelight or Christmas by Candlelight!
- Be sure to collect your map and edition of the Daily News upon entering to view a detailed programming of the day and layout of the Village.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
- If you’re into extra walking, there are three different trails to explore along the outskirts of the acreage.
- Bring spending money- it’ll be hard to pass up on Sturbridge Village-made pottery, baked goods and other artisan crafted goods.
- Visiting Sturbridge Village is a family-friendly activity. There are multiple hands-on opportunities available for young children to interact with inside the Village.
A Glimpse Into the Past
As you enter the village, you’re immediately immersed in the antiquated era. The rustic landscape is dotted with historic homes, workshops, and mills, each one meticulously restored to its original glory. Take a stroll down the main street and explore the various shops and exhibits such as the printing shop, blacksmith shop, and pottery shop. Within each structure, be sure to check out the impressive collection of antique artifacts and exhibits showcasing early America trades and crafts.
For a full list of exhibits and buildings, click here.
Meet the Residents
One of the highlights of visiting Old Sturbridge Village is interacting with the costumed interpreters who bring the village to life. These knowledgeable and friendly guides are happy to share their expertise and answer questions about life in 19th century New England. You’re likely to catch a glimpse of artisans at work, demonstrating traditional crafts such as weaving, shoemaking or metalworking.
Historical Highlights
- The terms “uppercase” and “lowercase” originated from practices used at printing presses during the 1800’s. Non-capitalized letters were used more often and kept in a lower, more accessible, tray, or case. On the contrary, capitalized letters were used more infrequently and stored in an upper case.
- Wallpaper in the 1830’s was “block printed”. Wooden blocks were carved with a design, dipped into pigment, and then pressed onto paper. Each “layer” needed time to dry before more details were pressed on.
- Early designs of modern matches were called, “Lucifers”.
- Old Sturbridge Village is located on the traditional land of the Nipmuc people who were renowned for their birchbark canoes.
- Farmers felled most trees in the winter when crops were not growing and snow-covered ground made it easier to move the logs!
- Local taxes paid for the costs of a school structure and teacher, but all school supplies (including textbooks) were purchased by students and their families.
Special Events and Activities
Throughout the year, Old Sturbridge Village hosts a range of special events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. From reenactments of historic events to craft demonstrations, festivals, and workshops, there’s always something interesting going on. After choosing our visit date, we peeked at the Village’s event calendar and were pleased to see it was aligned with Muster Day- a representation of a bustling town preparing to receive the General Marquis de Lafayette as he did in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on September 3, 1824.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Sturbridge Village Living Museum is a must for anyone interested in history, culture, or simply looking for a unique and enriching experience. With its captivating atmosphere, engaging exhibits and knowledgeable interpreters, Old Sturbridge Village is a true gem within New England.
Stay Curious,
– Karissa Boyer
In With The Old 
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