Old Sturbridge Village, Adult Workshops
January 23
The 2024-2025 school year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the groundbreaking Museum Education Center at Old Sturbridge Village. During the last 50 years, countless students have come through our doors to participate in hands-on activities. If you remember your grade-school field trip, maybe it’s time to come back and participate in another workshop, all grown up!
Hearth Cooking: Pizza!
Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Members: $25 | Non-members: $35
In the 1830s, women would have done most of their baking on the same day, using the bake oven to make their cakes, pies, and breads. Together we will fire up the bake ovens to make a delicious pizza, along with a soft cheese to go with this wood-fired treat. Workshop will last approximately 90 minutes. Please note that the Village is NOT open on this day and you must park at Museum Ed to access the building.
Printing: Make a Print Block
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Members: $40 | Non-members: $50
In the early 1830s, wooden printing blocks were used in publishing as well as textile production. The oldest form of printmaking, wood blocks are carved using knives and other tools to create a design. The raised areas are then inked for printing. During this workshop, participants will learn about working in the 19th-century print shop before carving their own simple, Valentine’s Day-inspired printing block with modern tools and linoleum blocks. Participants will take home their own block printing knife to continue the process on their own at home. Workshop will last approximately two hours. Please note that the Village is NOT open on this day and you must park at Museum Ed to access the building.
Trades: Tin Embossing
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Members: $40 | Non-members: $50
Embossing, or the process of creating a raised design, was a popular art form in the 19th century, used to embellish paper, metal, and leather. Use simple methods and tools to create an embossed tin work of art. Participants will look at tin items made in the Village that were important to people in the 1830s, as well as embossed artifacts from the collection. Workshop will last approximately two hours. Please note that the Village closes at 4:00 p.m. on this day and you must park at Museum Ed to access the building.
Farm and Garden: Dried Flower and Herb Swag
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Members: $40 | Non-members: $50
For many people, daily life in rural New England rotated around the farmer’s year. In an area like Sturbridge, most families had at least a small farm or garden. Herbs and flowers were used to flavor and preserve food, heal the sick, dye plants, and repel insects; and many natural remedies were influenced by Indigenous practices. We’ll talk about the ways that 19th-century people used these goods while making a beautiful and decorative swag. Workshop will last approximately two hours. Please note that the Village closes at 4:00 p.m. on this day and you must park at Museum Ed to access the building.
During this series, talented museum educators will lead participants through workshops based on the same programming we offer to the field trip audience, only with slightly more advanced, unique activities. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Important details for all workshops:
- Workshops take place in the Museum Education Building and guests can park in the Museum Ed lot. View map
- Workshops are designed for ages 14+
- Fees include material costs
- Wine and seasonal mocktails will be served during each program
- Space is limited and pre-registration is required
- Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel your workshop tickets. As these workshops are in high demand, refunds for workshop fees will only be given up to one week prior to the event date, or in the case of cancellation by Old Sturbridge Village.
Special thanks to Cornerstone Bank for sponsoring the celebration of Museum Ed’s 50th Anniversary!
