Formerly known as "The Collections Guild of Sturbridge Village," the 1830 Society brings together friends of the Old Sturbridge Village Collection - those who enjoy and care about preserving artifacts of early America and American folk art, and who wish to support the museum's efforts to preserve such artifacts.

Old Sturbridge Village has a nationally-known collection of over 50,000 artifacts made or used in rural New England between 1790 and 1840. The collection has many strengths, including textiles, art, furniture, glass, ceramics, and tools. Many of these groupings include both high style and everyday examples.

These artifacts are our most important tool in understanding the aesthetic values of our ancestors. As New Englanders struggled to form a new country, established mechanized industries, and enjoyed the ever-widening array of material goods available, they made choices based on personal preference and cultural influence that can only be explored through the furnishings of their homes, the tools of their trades, and the clothing they wore.

1830 Society Benefits

Society members enjoy special access to the Old Sturbridge Village collection and curatorial staff each year, including:

A private consultation session with a Village curator or historian
Attendance at the annual 1830 Society gala event
Preferred invitations to tours and programs highlighting the Village collection
A subscription to the museum's magazine, the Old Sturbridge Village Visitor magazine

Your annual contribution of $500 is fully tax-deductible and will be used exclusively to support Village collection acquisitions, care, and exhibitions.

To join the 1830 Society, or for more information, please contact Ed Hood in the Development Office at 508-347-0300 or via email.

Please Note: General Old Sturbridge Village membership is not a requirement for participation in the 1830 Society of Sturbridge Village. 1830 Society membership does not include general OSV membership.