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Sturbridge, M.A. – As spring blooms across New England, Old Sturbridge Village invites families and friends to experience “May at the Village,” with special celebrations throughout the month that honor cultural heritage and celebrate military service and history.
Beginning this month Old Sturbridge Village will proudly build a “Field of Flags” as a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who serve and have served in the U.S. Military. Each flag represents a loved one who has dedicated their life to protecting our freedoms, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten. As a proud partner of the Blue Star Museums program, Old Sturbridge Village is pleased to extend a warm welcome to military families, providing complimentary admission to the museum. To donate a flag in honor of a loved one, please visit https://www.osv.org/field-of-flags/.
On May 18, Old Sturbridge Village will commemorate the spirit of Muster Day, a cherished tradition that dates to the early 19th century when farmers and craftsmen dutifully answered the call to supplement the modest armed forces by joining local militia units, which laid the groundwork for today’s National Guard. Twice a year, these citizen-soldiers were “called to muster” for a day of intensive training in their town, preparing to defend their communities in times of need. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the training and camaraderie of these citizen-soldiers, from marching drills to musket and cannon firing and target practice.
Highlighting the significance of the militia in early 19th-century America, Derek Heidemann, Director of Collections and Research at Old Sturbridge Village, shares, “the militia was an important civic institution in the early 19th century and Old Sturbridge Village is one of the only places in New England where you can come to see a recreated muster. It’s important to note that militia training days were not just about citizen soldiers practicing military maneuvers, but were really town-wide celebrations. Since most men of military age were required to serve in the militia, other townspeople celebrated with picnics, music, and even dancing, which will all be recreated as part of the muster day program on May 18th.” For more information and to purchase tickets for Muster Day, please visit https://www.osv.org/event/muster-day-may/.
From May 25 through May 27 (Memorial Day), Wool Days invites guests to discover the intricate world of wool production in early New England. Costumed historians will guide visitors through transforming raw wool into textiles, from shearing the sheep to dyeing and spinning the yarn. Wool Days offers guests a deeper understanding of the essential role that wool played in the daily lives of 19th-century farmers and craftsmen. For more information and to purchase tickets for Wool Days, please visit https://www.osv.org/event/wool-days/.
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