OSV’s Collection Sightings
With over 50,000 objects, the collections at Old Sturbridge Village touch upon nearly every aspect of life during the Early Republic. It is important to us that our collections be used to inspire and education the public. Sometimes items in our collection also travel to be part of other museums’ exhibits, tying our stories into the histories of other New England families. These links represent just a few examples of the sightings of OSV’s collection being talked about and exhibited around the country. You can also visit our Artifacts on the Road page for additional information about select exhibits.
Four Centuries of Massachusetts Furniture
Four Centuries of Massachusetts Furniture is a collaborative project of OSV and ten other institutions that features exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations and publications to celebrate the Bay State's legacy of furniture-making.
National Society of The Colonial Dames of America
This organization offers a collections database that includes many samplers from the Old Sturbridge Village Collection.
With My Needle Blog
This blog features OSV collections.
American Folk Art Museum
Several OSV paintings by noted period and regional painter Matthew Prior were on loan for an important 2013 show at the American Folk Art Museum, Artist and Visionary: William Matthew Prior Revealed.
Decorative Arts Groups, Archives, and Publications
Decorative Arts Trust
The Rhode Island Furniture Archive at the Yale University Art Gallery
Antiques & Fine Arts Magazine
Magazine Antiques
Early American Life
Continuing Traditions Today
Today, a number of organizations continue making furniture, painted wares, and other decorative objects using traditional practices. Their efforts bring a modern spin to historic forms.
North Bennet Street School
The Historical Society of Early American Decoration
Society of American Period Furniture Makers
Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking
Preserving our Past
Important history is not just found in museums, but in our own homes. If you have antiques or other family heirlooms, it is important to preserve them for future generations. Below, are a few sources for information on conservation work, archival supplies, and best-practices for preserving antiques. There are many other helpful sources of information, these represent just a few to start with.
Northeastern Document Conservation Center
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
The American Conservation Consortium
Smithsonian Institute
Gaylord Brothers Archival Supplies
University Products
