Sometimes living in New England feels like you’re walking through the pages of an American History book. You don’t have to go very far to be in a place where an important moment of history happened or someone famous lived. Old Sturbridge Village was never an actual town, but instead an outdoor museum recreating the life and times of a village in 1830s New England. We’d driven by this area on our way to New York and New Jersey many times. Janet had even commented once that she’d like to visit the place. Of course, I lodged that comment in my brain for future reference and decided to play that card today. With beautiful weather on our side we drove to the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut to explore this attraction.
The village contains a working farm and many trades shops like a pottery shop, blacksmith, mill, and cabinet making. We had just watched a pottery competition series on television so it was neat to watch the potter throw a cup or two.
The school was a favorite as well. Since both of us are teachers, we gravitate to that type of thing. I was amazed at how they could fit over 50 students into such a small space. I’m sure that during the winter it was nice to pack them in and keep the students warm.
Costumed characters talk about their trades and craftsmanship like docents in a museum. They also mix a little of modern day events into the narrative to relate to the times of the 1830s.
It’s a relaxing day filled with old world sites and sounds. You learn a lot about rural life in the 19th century. Like Plymouth plantation, I found this adventure educational as well as fun. Many families strolled the grounds and I’m sure that there are many school field trips scheduled for this venue.
Living in New England Like a Tourist 