Homeschoolers ages 13 and up are invited to join us for themed, advanced craft workshops! These workshops will explore seasonal themes and incorporate items from OSV’s collections, the natural world around the museum, and contemporary and 19th-century issues.

Things to know:

• All programs take place on Mondays. Participants will be able to enter the museum with Village staff on these dates, but the museum is otherwise closed to the public.
• 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.
• Unless otherwise noted, these programs will take place inside the Museum Education building. Please park in the Museum Education parking lot. For details, download this map.
• OSV’s programs are rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, we will reach out to reschedule the program.

March 11th: Egg Decorating

Ages: 13+

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Members – $20; Non-members – $24

Click here to register

During the springtime, chickens lay copious eggs. In 1830s New England, this meant many egg-focused recipes like cakes and tarts. Eggs were not only an important food source, but also a powerful symbol and decorative item. During this workshop, participants will explore the importance of eggs and egg decorating throughout history. One of the most ancient arts, egg decorating has been practiced for thousands of years and around the world, from South Africa, to Mesopotamia, to pysanky eggs from the Slavic regions of Europe.

In addition to making our own decorative eggs, we will visit the farm and see the chickens, observe the types of eggs they make, and collect inspiration for spring and natural themes to include on our decorative eggs.

April 15th: Needle Felted Pet Portraits

Ages: 13+

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Members – $20; Non-members – $24

Click here to register

Needle felting is a form of embellishment that has been practiced for a long time. The first needle punch tool was invented in 1859 to make woolen batting from slaughterhouse grade wool, fibers of lesser quality, and even soldier’s hair. In this workshop we’re going to be making portraits of your favorite furry (or scaly) friend. While we create, we’ll discuss the various textile arts practiced in New England during the Village’s period. Did 19th-century people celebrate their pets, too?

Please note: Participants will need a good photograph printed out of their companion animal, no larger than 5×7.