Old Sturbridge Village

To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Every spring these citizen-soldiers were “called to muster” for a day of training in their town. Demonstrations will include marching, musket and cannon firing, military martial music, and target practice. Our young visitors will get the chance to learn early 19th-century drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a…

Mel Allen, editor of Yankee Magazine will discuss his time at the magazine from 1977 to the present. Like all editors, his greatest joy is finding new talent and bringing their work to light. Cost: $10 OSV Members, $12 Non-Members GET TICKETS Come for dinner at the Village Prime Rib Feast before the lecture program! Show your ticket order confirmation email at the entrance to the feast in the Oliver Wight Tavern and SAVE 10% on your meal! (Cannot be combined with other discounts)

When Old Sturbridge Village first opened in 1946, it wasn’t just a walking Village, it was a driving Village! Every June, the Village salutes its early heritage with an annual Antique Car Rally featuring dozens of automobiles from 1946 and earlier. On June 8, see dozens of antique cars from 1946 and before as we pay homage to Old Sturbridge Village's beginnings as a drive-able museum in 1946. Classic Cars Evoke America’s Post-World War II Drive-Through Culture Today people are…

Join us for our first-ever Baseball, Brews & BBQ on the Common! The Village will bustle all day with music from bands, delicious BBQ from our Village Grill, opportunities to sample local brews, and tons of fun for the whole family. AND all dads enjoy FREE admission to Old Sturbridge Village on Father’s Day. It is the perfect way to treat your own dad to a day of New England history and tradition. See a tinner, blacksmith, and shoemaker at work, watch gristmill…

An old-fashioned good time will be had by all on Independence Day at Old Sturbridge Village. Visitors will have the chance to take part in a citizens’ parade, play 19th-century style “baseball,” march with the militia, make a tri-cornered hat, and sign their “John Hancocks” on a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence. Summer barbecue food will be available for purchase along with beer and wine; visitors may also enjoy a picnic on the Common. Children and families will…

Redcoats & Rebels, returns to Old Sturbridge Village. Come see hundreds of costumed soldiers and experience a taste of what life (and battle) was like for those who fought to win America's freedoms. See the largest military re-enactment in New England with nearly 1,000 soldiers portraying British, Irish, Spanish, Scottish, French and Colonial troops. The Village is transformed into a military camp from the time of the War for Independence, as it was known in early New England. Come see what it…

Redcoats & Rebels, returns to Old Sturbridge Village. Come see hundreds of costumed soldiers and experience a taste of what life (and battle) was like for those who fought to win America's freedoms. See the largest military re-enactment in New England with nearly 1,000 soldiers portraying British, Irish, Spanish, Scottish, French and Colonial troops. The Village is transformed into a military camp from the time of the War for Independence, as it was known in early New England. Come see what it…