The birthday of the young nation's first great hero inspired great celebration among early 19th-century Americans. They gathered to offer toasts to George Washington and other important figures of the day. And they held balls, complete with Washington Cake and dancing.

Old Sturbridge Village will celebrate the Washington's Birthday weekend  in the exact same spirit. Visitors can take part in traditional toasts to George Washington and other famous American patriots, and learn more about the country's first president during presentations of "I Cannot Tell a Lie: Celebrating the Life and Accomplishments of George Washington in Story and Song."

You'll be having a ball, too -- literally. Skirts will swirl on as the Old Sturbridge Village dancers present a Washington Birthday Ball. Beforehand, OSV historians will discuss etiquette for the ball in "Please Take Hands"; and 1830s ball accessories in "Frills and Furbelows." Visitors can learn various dances of the time, including contra dances and cotillions, which were forerunners of today’s line dancing and square dancing.

And if your name is George or Martha, you receive free admission to the Village during President's Day weekend!

Read more about other activities planned during February school vacation week.

Planning Ahead

Purchase your tickets online in advance to expedite your entrance into the Village.

Add an overnight stay at the Old Sturbridge Inn and Reeder Family Lodges.

Find more useful information for planning your visit.