Events taking place in June include:
Acknowledge and celebrate extraordinary and everyday women in the early 19th century at OSV’s Women’s History Weekend. Visitors can hear the stories of famous Women’s Rights activists and abolitionists like Catherine Beecher and Angeline Grimke, learn about 19th-century women missionaries and midwives, and even see a first-person portrayal of a maternal society tea. Not to be overlooked are the daily lives and tasks of the typical 19th-century women – with demonstrations all weekend long on piecing a quilt, skilled sewing, bookbinding, dairying, hearth cooking, straw hat and bonnet making, gardening and more. This event is held during OSV operating hours and is included with standard daytime admission to the Village.
Juneteenth is a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865 – marking the day when troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure the freedom of those enslaved, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. At this OSV event, visitors will be encouraged to consider the historical and present-day significance of Juneteenth, engage in discussions with interpreters and special guests, and participate in activities that help broaden our understanding of history and culture, alike. Special to this event, OSV will be highlighting the cases of Kwaku “Quok” Walker in the Law Office at the Village. Walker was an enslaved man in Barre, MA that sued for and won his freedom in June 1781, citing language from the Massachusetts Constitution that declared all men to be free and equal. This paved the way for others, and Massachusetts became the first state of the union to effectively and fully abolish slavery. This event is held during OSV operating hours and is included with standard daytime admission to the Village.
OSV is hosting a Home School Day on Jun. 22 for kids and families to explore the Village and participate in hands-on activities. Offering games, woodworking and gardening demonstrations and other interactive activities, kids are able to gain exposure to many aspects of the 1830s New England life. Workshops on this day will explore the natural world of the early 1800s and the ways in which rural New Englanders interacted with and utilized natural resources. Home school families are invited to register for one of the in-person programs led by Village staff or explore on their own. This event is held during OSV operating hours. On Home School Days, homeschoolers (ages 4-17) get into OSV at the discounted rate of $10 along with one adult at the discounted rate of $15. Members get into the Village for free.
Evening at the Village returns to OSV with another great musical act! Enjoy the outdoors and spend a summer evening at the Village after the campus closes for the day. Visitors can stroll through the scenic Commons and Farm, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and listen to live music by Heth, Bradley and Houston (HBH) Band. HBH Band performs jazz music but draw inspiration from R&B, rock, country, gospel, musical theater, blues, and classical music. There will be an evening bonfire and games for kids to play. Guests are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy. Snacks and drinks will also be available for sale at the Miner Grant Store. This event is held outside of normal OSV operating hours. Tickets are $15 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member youth, $10 for member adults and $7 for member youth.
Spend some time at the Village learning a historical craft. OSV’s adult workshops vary from blacksmithing to textiles, coopering, foodways, and more. Visitors can try their hands at a craft and take home a finished masterpiece! June classes include Tong Making on Jun. 18-19, Classic Bookbinding: Beginner’s Hard Cover Intensive on Jun 11 & 18, and Flintknapping on Jun. 18. Historical Craft Classes are for adults, ages 18 and up, unless otherwise noted. Times, dates and pricing are noted online, per class.
Members Only
Members of Old Sturbridge Village enjoy special access to programming in the month of June with several private events, including:
For centuries, Americans have celebrated their history and public identity with parades. Marching politicians and soldiers, stirring music, colorful flags and banners, ornamented fire engines, costumed school children, and colorful floats set forth on the stage of town after town to symbolize traditions and values that Americans hold dear. Sometimes sophisticated, often naïve, and occasionally hilarious, parade presentations present stories of deep meaning to those involved. On Jun. 16, author Jane Nylander will share highlights and answer questions about the intensive research distilled in her new book, “The Best Ever!” Parades in New England, 1788-1940 in a free, members-only webinar. FREE for Old Sturbridge Village and Coggeshall Farm Museum members. Registration is required.
Take a closer look at some of the “curious” plants grown in the Village, such as Milkweed, Gas Plant, and Job’s Tears at this in-person event. Visitors will learn about each plant’s uses in the 19th century and get a chance to view some of the museum’s collection pieces that relate to these unique plants. Led by Village horticultural and agricultural staff, these Garden Thyme programs are held at various sites in OSV throughout the year and deal with a variety of plant-related themes and topics. This program is FREE for members of Old Sturbridge Village. Registration is required.
Old Sturbridge Village extends to members the privilege of bringing their dog to the Village on select weekends throughout the year. Jun. 25-26 marks the next members-only Dog Days event. Dogs must be leashed and vaccinated, with proof of rabies and license required. Dogs must be accompanied at all times. This event is held during OSV operating hours. This program is FREE for members of Old Sturbridge Village. Registration is required.
Standard daytime admission rates for the event are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors (55+), $14 for youth (4-17) and college students. The Village is free to children ages 3 and under. More information on June events and special programming can be found at: https://www.osv.org/events-experiences/calendar/.
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