Postponed to February 7, 2026 (originally scheduled for January 24)
Times: Workshop times vary; see below for details. The Village is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Cost is $12 per Scout for full-day admission to Old Sturbridge Village. One adult per Scout ages 5 and above is admitted at the rate of $17. Additional adults pay the full price rate
Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring the past to life? This special program for older Girl Scouts goes beyond the visitor experience to reveal the inner workings of an 1830s living history museum. Scouts will step behind the scenes to explore areas not usually open to the public and gain a deeper understanding of the skills, creativity, and dedication it takes to preserve and share history.
During this immersive program, Scouts will:
- Take Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Visit collection storage areas, workshops, and staff-only spaces where artifacts are preserved and prepared for exhibit.
- Meet Museum Professionals – Speak with staff who work in education, collections care, historical clothing, interpretation, maintenance and visitor engagement to hear about their day-to-day roles.
- Explore Career Pathways – Learn what kinds of education and skills are helpful for different museum jobs, and discover how interests in history, art, science, or teaching can all come together in the museum world.
- Participate in Hands-on Workshops-Try activities that are connected to museum careers, such as foodways, textiles, sewing, visitor experience and more.
*Preregistration is required
**All behind the scenes sessions are limited to 12 Scouts, unless otherwise noted.
This program is designed for older Girl Scouts (ages 12 and older) looking to broaden their horizons, connect their love of history to real-world opportunities, and see what lies beyond the gallery walls. It’s an experience that will inspire curiosity, leadership, and future career exploration.
Workshops
Sign up for one or more workshops below. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Specific locations for workshops will be shared closer to the time.
Workshops are included with standard daytime admission or membership, and we are offering a special rate for participating scouts and families:
$12 Youth / $17 Adult
Purchase standard daytime admission for February 7, 2026
Historical Clothing
Do you love to sew, or have an interest in textiles and wonder if that is something you can do as a career? Spend time with our Historical clothing experts. Tour our historical clothing department and see how you can turn your hobby into a career.
Woodworking/Maintenance
Is working with your hands and being outdoors appealing? Meet with one of our many experts who help keep the Village running. Truly go behind the scenes and see the workshop where Village repairs happen!
Collections
Our museum holds many historical artifacts that don’t always make an appearance in our historical homes and trade shops. Tour our storage facilities and talk with one of our curatorial experts. Learn what they had to do to become the caretakers of some of our most precious pieces of history.
Agriculture
If caring for animals and planting crops appeal to you, then come meet our expert farmer. See how their love for animals and farming turned into a career.
Museum Education
Many of you have come through our Museum Education doors to participate in workshops. Does teaching in a nontraditional setting appeal to you? Meet with one of our educators and discover how their career path landed them in a museum.
Horticulture
Do you enjoy digging in the dirt and making things grow? Meet with one of our Village Interpreters who keep our gardens in tip top shape!
Visitor Experience
You love to organize events and help plan daily programming. Meet with our Country Bank Visitor Center staff and learn how they guide our guests to get the most out of beautiful museum campus.
Historical Interpretation
How do you take your love of history and learning and have a unique career as a historical interpreter? Bring all of your questions to this session as you meet with someone who has done just that!