Daily events are subject to change.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Welcome to Old Sturbridge Village, a recreated rural New England community of the 1830s! On this the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, sample everyday life as you explore our carefully restored homes, workshops, mills, public buildings, farms, and gardens. Chat with costumed historians and discover how America today was shaped by changes going on in the formative early years of our republic. Enjoy your visit!
Daily Activities
10:30 a.m. Meet the Schoolmistress: Learn about schooling in the 1830s (at the District School, Building #31).
11:30 p.m. Read Me a Story: Listen to a slightly spooky story (at the Towne House grape arbor, outside of Building #15).
1:30 p.m. Mrs. Phipps’ Revolution: Hear about the American Revolution from a woman’s point of view.(Towne House grape arbor, Building #15)
2:00 p.m. Grave Matters: A Reading of New England Epitaphs: Listen to selected “obituaries” written in stone (by the graveyard, next to Building #6).
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Parlor Games: Stop in the Fitch House to try some of our most popular games such as Ball & Cup, Jacob’s Ladder and Buzz Saw (Building #20).
3:00 p.m. Fashion Delights: See what people wore in the 1830s (in the Asa Knight Store, Building #10).
Households
Fitch House (Building #20) Fall is exciting for everyone, farmers' and mechanics' families alike! Stop by here to see how women in a non-farming family might use their sewing skills to improve their households and provide a service to the community.
Freeman Farm (Building #34) Fall is here at last, but the family’s work has only just begun. Learn about seasonal food and domestic work on a traditional, middling farm and hear how households have changed in the 60 years following the Revolution.
Trades
Pottery Shop and Kiln (Building #32) Explore the world of pottery and see household vessels being made at the potter’s wheel.
Printing Office (Building #17) Small printing offices often worked for publishers in Philadelphia, New York, or Boston, printing and binding books for sale anywhere in New England. They often also did smaller printing jobs for local people.
Community
Asa Knight Store (Building #10) Country stores sold goods from all over the world, through seaports like Boston and Providence. They also carried locally produced goods such as livestock, cheeses, braided straw and more.
The Carryall (weather permitting)
We offer a horse-drawn carryall ride included with the price of admission. From 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. you can board behind the Bullard Tavern (#3) or in front of the Blacksmith Shop (#37) about every 20 minutes for a ride around the Mill Pond. There is no carryall operating outside of this time.
Highlighted Exhibition
American Reflections (Building #2) Learn about life in the United States fifty years after the American Revolution through the stories of eleven of the nation's citizens.
Dining & Shopping
Ox & Yoke Mercantile Pop Up (in the Country Bank Visitor Center, Building #2)
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Take home a traditional rural New England treasure or unique gift. Village-made crafts and kits, home décor, books, and more await!
Bullard Café (Building #3) (on the Ground Floor)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hungry? Stop by for lunch or a snack.
Miner Grant Store & Bake Shop (Building #18)
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Stop in to buy our famous chocolate chip cookies, Joe Frogger cookies, and novelty ice cream. Shop for Village-made wares and gifts!