Sturbridge, M.A. – Join us in celebration of Independence Day at Old Sturbridge Village! Experience a long-standing tradition of exploring American history with fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations, games, a parade, and more! Visitors will enjoy readings of poetry and the Declaration of Independence, join in a game of historic baseball, or watch a toy hot air balloon take flight!
Guests to Old Sturbridge Village can learn how 19th-century New Englanders celebrated the holiday. Hear the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud by costumed historians. As the interpreters dramatize these 18th-century words and ideas, a narrator will draw out their meaning and challenge the audience to consider their relevance and power for today.
Highlighted Kid Activities Include:
- Create a 4th of July thaumatrope
- Play baseball by the 19th-century rules
- March in the parade around the Village Common
Each day of the celebratory weekend visitors can experience:
- Morning flag-raising ceremony
- Citizens parade
- Declaration of Independence reading
Welcome New Citizens
On July 4th only, at 11:00 a.m., watch and be inspired by a citizen naturalization ceremony on the Village Common. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present candidates to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and they will pledge their Oath of Allegiance to the United States for the very first time.
Kids Free All Weekend!
Up to three kids ages 17 and under are admitted for FREE per adult paying full price ($30) From July 1 to July 4, 2023. Additional youth are admitted at the standard rate of $15. Pre-registration is recommended. To purchase tickets go to https://www.osv.org/event/independence-celebration/
As always, marvel at the work of our skilled artisans and tradespeople, meet and greet sheep, chickens, cattle, and pigs, take a ride on the horse-drawn carryall, and learn about life in early 19th-century rural New England.
Also, Field of Flags, a campaign designated to honor and recognize the men and women on active duty or those who have served in the U.S. military, returns to Old Sturbridge Village this summer. Each year, OSV builds a field outside the Visitor Center from Memorial Day through Labor Day, “planting” flags with every donation received. Flags stand as a tangible reminder of the service and sacrifice of our American heroes, often donated in honor of a friend or loved one.
For $25 per flag, the public can add to the Field of Flags while on-site or via an online donation form. Donations help provide free standard daytime admission to Old Sturbridge Village for members of the U.S. Military, Reserves, National Guard, and their families – including active-duty personnel and veterans alike.
In November, Old Sturbridge Village recognizes Veteran and Military Families Month with red, white, and blue stars bearing the names of loved ones lining OSV’s covered bridge. Stars can be purchased as part of the Field of Flags campaign, for an additional $10 per star on top of flag donation.
