Hands-On Studio Offerings
During November in the 1830s, people in rural farm village were busy finishing the fall harvest and storing food away to last through the winter. And they were preparing for one of the biggest holidays of the year, Thanksgiving. On Home School Day November 6, we are offering studio classes in our Museum Education building that help children learn more about both the harvest and the holiday.
- Studios are 50 minutes long and $5 per person, per Studio.
- Due to space limitation, please limit the number of non-participating family members entering Studio area. Maximum 10 participants per Studio.
- Studios begin at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- All Studios will be taking place at the Country Bank Education Center at Old Sturbridge Village (except Wood Studio)
Return to the November Home School Day event information or purchase advance admission tickets.
Click on the age range of your selected Studio and time to register.
Farm Studio - Life on the Farm
Explore the seasonality of the farmer’s year, gender roles, and family life on the farm. Do some farm related activities, and sew a paper seed bag.
10:30 a.m. ages 5+
11:30 a.m. ages 7+
1:00 p.m. ages 9+
2:00 p.m. ages 7+
Home Studio - Hearth Cooking
Experience cooking 19th-century-style, use common household tools and recipes. Bake gingersnaps over an open hearth.
10:30 a.m. Studio 1: ages 7+ Studio 2: ages 9+
11:30 a.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 9+
1:00 p.m. Studio 1: ages 7+ Studio 2: ages 5+
2:00 p.m. Studio 1: ages 7+ Studio 2: ages 5+
Games and Amusements Studio - 19th-century Games
While it is likely true that children were expected to do more work than their modern counterparts, they still enjoyed having fun. Learn about the personal special events, local and national holidays that people chose to celebrate in the early 19th century. Participate in a number of children’s activities and enjoy some popular games. The age 5+ group will paint small wooden houses, and the age 7-9+ groups will make a Fox and Geese game board.
10:30 a.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 7+
11:30 a.m. Studio 1: ages 9+ Studio 2: ages 7+
1:00 p.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 7+
2:00 p.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 7+
Plain and Fancy Studio - Decorative Arts
Examine objects from the home and learn a technique that was used to decorate 19th-century household goods. Make and decorate your own Family Register.
10:30 a.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 9+
11:30 a.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 7+
1:00 p.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 9+
2:00 p.m. Studio 1: ages 5+ Studio 2: ages 7+
Textiles Studio - Carding, Spinning & Weaving
Take part in the process of 19th-century textile production. Learn to card and spin wool and to weave cloth. Weave your own bookmark.
10:30 a.m. ages 9+
11:30 a.m. ages 7+
1:00 p.m. ages 9+
2:00 p.m. ages 7+
Wood Studio - Make a Cheese Grater
The Wood Studio is located in the lower level of the Glass Exhibit Building in the main Village. Use a variety of hand tools to make a cheese grater.
10:30 a.m. ages 10+
11:30 a.m. ages 10+
1:00 p.m. ages 10+
2:00 p.m. ages 10+
Print Studio
Learn about printing in the 19th century and operate a printing press. Create a small journal for yourself, cover it and sew it together.
10:30 a.m. ages 5+
11:30 a.m. ages 7+ (Sold Out)
1:00 p.m. ages 7+ (Sold Out)
2:00 p.m. ages 9+
