Daily events are subject to change.
Welcome to Old Sturbridge Village, a recreated 1830s rural New England town! While you are visiting, stop by our numerous households and see what kind of winter activities kept families busy. Our trades will be active as well, from needlework to working at the potter’s wheel, we use the winter to hone our hand skills. See the farmers industriously preparing for the spring season, and of course, our farm animals always enjoy a visitor too.
Please note Kidstory is closed for necessary maintenance work today. Enjoy your visit!
Farm
10:00 a.m. Meet the Calf (at the Freeman Farm, Building #36).
Performances
10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. A Guided Tour of the Salem Towne House: Tour the home of a prosperous farmer with a costumed educator (meets in the hallway of the Salem Towne House, Building #16).
11:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. A pickle for the knowing ones: The eccentric life of “Lord” Timothy Dexter (in the Richardson House, Building #13).
3:00 p.m. Excerpts From a Letter by 19th Century Activist Sarah Grimke: Her response to a letter about women speaking publicly (in the Richardson House, Building #13).
Music Performances
10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Musical Highlights, the Guitar: Learn about the guitar in New England, and hear a sample of music performed on a 19th-century style guitar
(at the Fitch House, Building #21).
11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Musical Highlights, the Rocking Melodeon: Listen to a selection of songs on one of the most unusual instruments of the 19th century. Learn about the people that would have played on this instrument, and how it works (at the Richardson House, Building #13).
3:00 p.m. Ballroom Etiquette: Learn about the forms of ceremony or decorum used in the entertainment of dancing during the 1830s (in the Bullard Tavern, Building #3).
Community
Thompson Bank (Building #20) Country banks provided short-term business loans to merchants, prosperous farmers, and manufacturers.
Asa Knight Store (Building #11) Country stores brought in goods from all over the world, through seaports like Boston and Providence. They also bought locally produced goods such as butter, cheese, and handwork for sale in those urban commercial centers.
Households
Small House (Building #5) Costumed interpreters are here to help you understand the past as it relates to the present.
Make this your first stop to say “good day” and orient yourself to our 1830s Village.
Bixby House (Building #38) The Bixbys, like many families, earned their income from several different sources. Visit to learn about the work that the women of this family did from home such as braiding straw and sewing shoe uppers.
Trades
Shoe Shop (Building #10) Find a shoemaker “bottoming” men’s and boy’s work shoes for wholesale to the Southern and Western states. Some of the shoes for the South were meant for enslaved workers.
Cooper Shop (Building #37) Coopers made round wooden containers including pails, tubs, and barrels for their neighbors.
The Carryall (weather permitting)
We offer a horse-drawn carryall ride included with the price of admission. From 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. you can board behind the Bullard Tavern (#3) or in front of the Blacksmith Shop (#39) about every 40 minutes for a ride around the Mill Pond. There is no carryall operating outside of these times.
Dining & Shopping
Bullard Café (Building #3) (on the Ground Floor)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. A variety of lunch options and beverages.
Miner Grant Store & Bake Shop (Building #19)
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Stop in to buy our famous chocolate chip cookies, Joe Frogger cookies, and treats. Shop for Village-made wares, heirloom seeds, historical children’s toys and gifts, too!
Ox & Yoke Mercantile (Building #1)
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Take home a traditional rural New England treasure or locally made gift. Village-made crafts and kits, home décor, books, and more await! We stay open a bit later than the rest of the Village.
The Environmental Point of View
Woodland Walk (#47) A short hike along Pogus Brook to a wooded viewing platform.
Pasture Walk (#49) Takes you to the top of Powder House Hill, offering views of the pastured landscape.
River Walk (#50) Best views of the Wight Dam and a peaceful setting to enjoy the Quinebaug River.
Please note all walks are open but are not maintained. Icy conditions may be present.