Old Sturbridge Village

In our local area there is a museum called Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor museum in the Northeast. It's a literal village built and run like a typical village in the late 1700's to early 1800's. As school children, the Knight and I took many field trips there to learn about our country's past and what life was like for our ancestors. Along with the 40 original buildings from that time period, the village also offers a staff of history interpreters, who wear authentic costumes of the time period and answer any questions that the visitors may have.

I have a lot of fond memories of my many trips to Old Sturbridge Village, from field trips as a student to bringing our foreign exchange students to the museum so they can experience our history as well.

Luckily for us, the Knight's company offers a free weekend at the museum to all its employees and their families. This past weekend was the free weekend, and although we were very busy, we made sure to squeeze in some time to take the girls. The museum often hosts "homeschooling days" for those families in the area who homeschool, and we can't wait until the girls are old enough where we can take advantage of that great program.

We had a lot of fun, although the Mermaid received her first bee sting. She was a real trooper about it, and at least we are pretty sure that she is not allergic. Here are some pictures:

Oxen, with one of the costumed "history interpreters."

The Mermaid was afraid to pet the oxen.

She felt much more confident when there was a fence between her and the animals

In one of the original buildings

The gazebo, overlooking the lake.

Here the Mermaid is helping to "clean" the clay before it goes onto the potter's wheel. She is powering the mill that churns the clay, causing all the rocks and other debris to sink to the bottom of the barrel. The potter then takes the clean clay off the top.

My favorite picture: our little prairie girl.

It was nice to be able to take the Guppy as well. It reminded me how last year when we went, I was pregnant with the Guppy and the Mermaid was only around 18 months old! :o)

Old Sturbridge Village