Parking
Buses are sometimes asked to unload and then leave the Museum Education area and park in the main Village lot. As a result, access to the buses is not always available during the day.  Ample free parking is available at Museum Education for chaperone vehicles. Please carpool whenever possible.

Access
Over half the historical buildings are accessible by wheelchair. For the best experience, leaders of groups with special needs will want to plan their visit with museum staff by calling (508) 347-0285 or sending us an email.  You may also view our Guide to Access for more information.

Chaperones
A minimum of one adult chaperone is required for every ten students. Chaperones are admitted at the student rate of $8 within the recommended ratio. (Three adults per ten students) Chaperones above this ratio are admitted at the full admission rate of $24. Teachers are admitted FREE with proof of teacher identification.  We ask that you share our letter for chaperones with those who will be joining your group in that capacity.

Changes & Cancellation Policy
FOUR WEEKS' NOTICE REQUIRED:  Groups needing to cancel or change the date of a museum program or tour, call 508-347-0285 or send us a message as soon as possible, but no later than four weeks prior to the program date.  This  helps us accommodate other groups.  Please include your school name and zip code in your message.

Payment
You may pay by credit card, check, or cash, or we will be happy to send an invoice.  If paying by check, please use one check for the entire group, including extra adults. In case of overpayment, refunds will be mailed. If paying in cash, please collect money in advance. Large bills will speed the transaction.

Inclement Weather Cancellation
Old Sturbridge Village rarely closes because of weather. If school has been cancelled due to weather conditions on the day of your visit, please leave a voice mail message before 8:30 a.m. by calling 508-347-0285.

First Aid
Services are available at our Security Office.

Food Service
There are several dining options available at our museum.  The Bullard Tavern Cafeteria and Village Café offer several seasonal selections. You may pre-order boxed lunches from our food service department.  Please see our menu and contact us at 508-347-0306 to place an order (at least one week prior to your visit). 

You may also bring a bag lunch.* Limited sheltered space is available on a first come first served basis. Outdoor picnic tables are available on a seasonal basis. *Because storage space is limited, please consolidate lunches into boxes or large bags.

Funding
Your visit may qualify for full or partial funding from public and/or private sources. Assistance with transportation costs may be available through the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Big Yellow School Bus program.  For more information on this funding opportunity, please visit the linked site directly.  In addition, the New York BOCES program, the Connecticut Cultural Council and your local Arts Lottery Council for more information.

The Target Field Trip Grants program is another excellent source of funding for field trips.  Registration for the Target Field Trip Grants program opens on August 1.

To learn more about funding opportunities, please contact us at 508-347-0285 or send us a message.

Shopping
The Grant Store in the Center Village offers fresh-baked goods and unique gifts in a country store setting. The Museum Gift Shop and New England Bookstore, located near the Visitor Center, offer the most extensive selection of gifts, crafts, books, and educational materials.  Groups are welcome at each shop.  The Youth Gift Shop (located near the Museum Education building) is also open seasonally.  You may pre-order student souvenir kits here.

OSV Online Slide Shows
To prepare students for what they will see at Old Sturbridge Village, view one of our slide shows (for example, see maple sugaring, wool processing, or kiln firing) showing some of the Village's events and exhibits about daily life in the early 1800s. After watching the slide show, have students make a list of questions they may have about the Village. If your visit is during another season, what do you think will be different, and what will be the same? What else would you like to know about life in the early 1800s?

Other Information
Please be courteous to others while in our museum and paty special attention to signs.  The playground is intended for children age 7 and under.  We ask that school groups not enter the OSV playground.  In addition, school groups are not permitted in the KidStory play area.  You may wish to preview the Village map you will receive on the day of your visit.  Your program times will be available upon arrival.