Relive the Days of Old at Sturbridge Village, MA

With the technological advances over the past hundred years or so such as the car, TV, radio, computer, cancer medications and Oprah we are so captivated and caught up in times that we forget or have no clue as to what life used to be like, back in the 1700's to early 1800's. I know, it is hard to fathom that in those earlier times you couldn't jump in your car and head for your local Circuit City, local supermarket, Home Depot or Lowe's for your shopping needs nor could you pick up your cell phone and chat across town. Life, back then, was simpler and harder! Old Sturbridge Village recreates this rustic approach, conservative and historical museum showcasing antiques of the past. As a way of removing oneself from the urbanization and industrialization brought on by the twentieth century invasion, Old Sturbridge Village recreates a worthwhile experience for the whole family. Old Sturbridge Village is located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, about twenty minutes past the Connecticut/Massachusetts border.

The land that is now home to OSV(Old Sturbridge Village) was once owned by farmer David Wight back in the early nineteenth century. Complete with a gristmill, sawmill, pond, acres of suitable farmland and livestock, this tract of land was ideal for David Wight. An industrial pioneer, back in the day by the name of George Washington Wells and his three sons, were very prominent collectors of antiques and other homemade items from the picturesque New England countryside. Simple, rustic centerpieces ingenious in design and unusual as well were prized artifacts that the Wells family had a fondness for. Items such as Wooden bowls, hand painted and crafted furniture, redware pots, scythes, hayrakes and butter churns were just a few of the highly prized items that the Wells family seeked to find. They amassed a significant collection of timepieces and other early American artifacts would pave the way for the Sturbridge Village of today. Comparable to Colonial Williamsburg and Greenfield Village, Old Sturbridge Village was and still is focused on the American past and artifacts from that time period. With the changes and technological advances evident with the dawning of the twentieth century, the Wells family was committed to preserving the earlier days of old. The vanishing past and the preservation of early America brought about the transaction in the early 1930's of the Wells family purchasing the farm land consisting of 153 acres of rolling hills, sloping meadows, wooded hillside featuring water power from the neighboring Quinebaug river from David Wight. This tract of land would become essentially a "live" village, an outdoor museum where craftsmen and costumed employees would be mainstay adding to the glamor and recreation of a typical old New England countryside. Architecture, antiques, arts and crafts and trades can be seen first hand as a result of the dream and prototype community of simpler rustic times are reenacted as the wells family envisioned, captured and wanted to preserve.

With the painstaking efforts of museum curators and New England prominent landscape architect, Arthur Shurcliff, the countryside recreation was able to match the visions as seen by the Wells family. The myriad of antiques that had to be cataloged and classified for display numbered in the thousands. So the unpaved roads, clapboarded rural houses, barns, townhouses and shops complete with trained artisans and craftsmen and costumed workers mesh into the realistic framework and recreation of an earlier era that is pretty much all but forgotten today. In 1945, Ruth Wells became acting director for the village and moved forward with the construction and development of Old Sturbridge Village. On June 8, 1946, Old Sturbridge Village opened to the public as admission was a dollar and people drove through in their cars. Eighty-one visitors visited Sturbribdge Village that year to witness the 25 costumed craftsmen, hosts and hostesses employed at that time.

Alot has changed since the infancy stage and infrastructure of Old Sturbridge Village was born. After more than fifty years of service, nearly half a million visitors enter the grounds of OSV . With regards to historic authenticity, much of the landscape resembles the 1830's farm land of David Wight. Removal and renovations of many of the buildings encountered today at OSV have been from local areas to create this idealistic recreation of early New England.

Old Sturbridge Village is a culmination of over 40 buildings that have been carefully transported from their place of origin to OSV. Town meetinghouse, bank, school, gristmill, sawmill, printing shop, copper, blacksmith and shoe shop, country store, bakery and pottery shop are just a sampling of the buildings available for visitors to explore and visualize what life looked like back then. Life as it was lived day in and day out in the late 1700's is so carefully recreated right down to the baked goods and confectioners.

Their are various activities that unfold during th course of a year at OSV. Ranging from apple harvests, to independence day celebration, to barnyard additions and village blooming delights come spring. Which ever month you visit OSV, you are sure to encounter something new.

Employment and volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in partaking in the past and witnessing a truly unique opportunity of reliving life as it was in the late 1700's and early 1800's.

Birthday and wedding celebrations can also be experienced at Old Sturbridge Village. By contacting Old Sturbridge Village, you will be able to gather all the pertinent info needed to have a successful and memorable birthday or wedding celebration like no other.

Teacher workshops, classes, youth and adult programs, school field trips, home school days and camping activities can also be incorporated into an educational and entertaining schedule.

Take a journey into the past and enjoy the fascinating, remarkable and memorable experiences associated with all that recreates the unique community known as Old Sturbridge Village. Realize the basis of life that was evident from a much earlier time period and how it differs from present day life. Witness, hands on activities and life as you walk along the unpaved roads through the quaint replica of an early New England town. Partake in actual daily life as provided by costumed employees that are masters of their craft.