For Immediate Release: June 12, 2023

Media Contact: Christine Freitas pr@osv.org Phone: (508) 347-0328

Old Sturbridge Village Commemorates Juneteenth with music, poetry, crafts, and more!

Sturbridge, M.A. – Old Sturbridge Village returns this summer with programming for Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, 2023. In partnership with Elite Events by Efua and Co., Waistbeads by Cardethia, the African Community Education (ACE) group of Worcester, and Addie Lee's Soul Food, this year's event is free to the public and will be rich with history, learning, hands-on activities, and food. “The Village has taken a robust approach to deepening the programming that interprets life in the 19th Century for today’s visitor and commemorates the lives and experiences of Black people in America,” says Jasmin Rivas, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access.   Juneteenth commemorates 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.   Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village on June 19 will be encouraged to consider Juneteenth's historical and present-day significance, engage in discussions with interpreters and special guests, and participate in activities that help broaden their understanding of history and culture. Among the events that day: Listen to special music and poetry performances including drumming by the African Community Education (ACE) group of Worcester and spoken word by Ashley Wonder Learn about the story of Kwaku Walker (sometimes referred to as Quock Walker) during a special presentation by Sean Osborne, co-founder of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington Visit with Cardethia Moore of Waistbeads by Cardethia for a craft on the Common. Her waistbeads will also be available for sale Enjoy samples from Addie Lee's Soul Food of Worcester, MA (12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.) Take a walking tour that discusses “Uncomfortable Truths” And more! Check back closer to the time for a more detailed schedule   Old Sturbridge Village’s Juneteenth event will be held from 9:30 am–5 pm on Monday, June 19 and admission is free.

MEDIA For b-roll, images, and interview requests, please contact Christine Freitas at pr@osv.org. About Old Sturbridge Village   Old Sturbridge Village, first opened to the public in 1946, is one of the country's oldest and largest living history museums, celebrating life in early New England from 1790-1840. It is the largest living history museum in the Northeast. Each year, more than 250,000 visitors interact with costumed historians, experience up-close demonstrations of early American trades, and meet heritage breed farm animals. Situated on 200 scenic acres, the Village is a collection of more than 40 historic buildings - including homes, meetinghouses, trade shops, working farms, restaurants, shops and three water-powered mills. Located just off the Massachusetts Turnpike and Routes I-84 and 20 in Sturbridge, Mass., Old Sturbridge Village is open year-round, but days and hours vary seasonally. Daily admission is: $30 for adults, $28 for seniors, $15 for College Students, $15 for children ages 4-17, children 3 and under admitted free. For details, visit https://www.osv.org/plan-your-visit/.     Old Sturbridge Village is also the managing partner of Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, R.I. Members at OSV receive reciprocal membership at Coggeshall Farm Museum.

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