Dates vary; see below for details
Times: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Meets at the Museum Education Building
In honor of the nation's 250th anniversary, join us for a civics-focused program meant for homeschoolers ages 10 and up. Through primary sources, hands-on activities, and spirited discussion, students will leave with an understanding of the important social issues of the early 1800s and how they relate to their lives today. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
Revolutionary Voices from the Past: 19th-Century Pen Pals
Date: Tuesday, October 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages 10+
Meets at Museum Education
Limited to 25 students
Price: $18
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, explore the Village through the lens of this major milestone. How had the country changed in the 50 years since the signing of the Declaration? Were its promises fulfilled, and who enjoyed freedom and independence during the Village’s time?
Placing special emphasis on details from the lives of real New Englanders from the period, this program will examine the rapidly evolving time of the early 19th century. After receiving a 19th-century pen pal to focus their experience on, groups will tour around the Village with the help of a knowledgeable museum educator, explore primary sources related to their person, and participate in hands-on activities.
Tour and Workshop: The Election of 1840
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages 10+
Meets at Museum Education
Limited to 25 students
Price: $18
It’s Election Day and voters around the country are casting ballots in local and state elections. How do today's elections differ from those in the 19th century? Join an educator on this tour through the Village as we talk about the election of 1840, the first modern presidential election. What made it modern, and what were the issues? Who could vote, and how did they cast their ballots for the candidate of their choice? Participants will compare and contrast important issues from the 1830s and 40s to issues in their own community today; look at primary sources from this campaign (and from the Museum’s collection!); and voice their opinions on the matters at the center of the election between William Henry Harrison, Martin Van Buren, and James G. Birney.
Following the tour of the Village, students will make an Election Cake over the open hearth, a popular dessert used to commemorate elections in the 19th century.
Things to know:
- Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel your registration. As these programs are in high demand, refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the event date, or in the case of cancellation by Old Sturbridge Village.
- Unless otherwise noted, these programs will take place inside the Museum Education building. Please park in the Museum Education parking lot. For details, download this map (PDF).
- Please note: the Village is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. Students will enter the Museum with staff on these dates.
- OSV’s programs are rain or shine. In inclement weather, we will reach out to reschedule the program.