Childhood Work
Hands-On Studio Offerings
In keeping with the traditional work being done by children in the 1830s, we will be offering a variety of studios that provide children with an opportunity to learn as they perform the tasks of children from days long past under the direction of a museum teacher.
- 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 September 10 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 a simple farm related activity.
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. Do your cooking 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 children’s activities and enjoy some popular games.
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.
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.
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 Spadle
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 wooden spadle. A spadle is used in mixing batter for cakes, pies, and bread.
10:30 a.m. ages 10+
11:30 a.m. ages 10+
1:00 p.m. ages 10+
2:00 p.m. ages 10+
