Costumed Historians, Artisans, and Farmers

People – especially our trained costumed historians – are what make Old Sturbridge Village a truly special, interactive museum experience.

When you visit Old Sturbridge Village, you will see costumed historians (sometimes called “interpreters”) throughout the Village, working in trade shops, on the farm, or cooking in front of a fire. Even though they wear clothing like people wore in the 1830s, they are just like you, but they know a lot about New England history. They are not acting as a character or pretending to be a person from the past. They speak in the present tense and can help you compare life in the 1800s to life in the 21st century. Most of them are paid staff members but also some are volunteers. Don’t be afraid to ask them lots of questions! They will help to enrich your experience of the past.