For Immediate Release:

August 31, 2023

Sturbridge, M.A. – On Saturday, September 2 there is more to see at Old Sturbridge Village as we host a full day of programming during Muster Day.

Muster Day is a day of military celebration, muskets, martial music, and more. In the early 19th century, farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Often, the various militia companies of several towns would come together for a regimental muster, a grand display that brought the townspeople out to cheer on the companies as they marched by in dashing uniforms.

Old Sturbridge Village is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and visitors can:

• Talk to members of two uniformed volunteer militia companies.
• Listen to early 19th-century martial music.
• Watch musket and cannon firing demonstrations
• See a “Sham Fight” as rival militia companies square off against each other in the field. Scheduled for 3:00pm (subject to change).
• Our young visitors will get the chance to learn early 19th-century drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a wooden toy musket.
• See the “striped pig” and learn how it was used to skirt the early 19th-century liquor laws.
• Learn why many New Englanders were pushing for reforms to the militia system and the role that intemperance played in those reforms.

For a full list of the day’s activities and to purchase tickets visit https://www.osv.org/event/muster-day/.

Muster Day is included with standard daytime admission or membership to Old Sturbridge Village.

MEDIA

For b-roll, images, and interview requests, please contact 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. More than 200,000 visitors interact with costumed historians each year, 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, and children 3 and under are 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.