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Field Trips Frequently Asked Questions

What is Old Sturbridge Village?
How much walking will I have to do?
What is the cancellation policy?
What if it's raining?
When is a good time to visit?
How much time should we plan to spend at Old Sturbridge Village?
Will we have time to see everything if we can only come for a short visit?
How do your programs relate to Curriculum Frameworks?
What are our options for lunch?
What programs do you suggest for high school students?
Do you have any Pre-visit suggestions for us?
Do you have any Post-visit activity suggestions for us?
Can we get funding for our visit?

 
What is Old Sturbridge Village?
Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) is a history museum and learning resource that invites all visitors to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration in the exploration of New England's past. It is a nonprofit, educational museum that is open year-round. The centerpiece of the museum is a re-created rural New England town of the 1830s set on more than 200 acres of historical landscape, encompassing a Center Village, Mills Area, and Countryside.
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How much walking will I have to do?
Old Sturbridge Village is an outdoor history museum showing early Americans lived and worked. The museum has a Center Village, a Countryside, and a Mill Neighborhood all connected by dirt roads. We suggest that our guests wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
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What is the cancellation policy?
FOUR WEEKS' NOTICE REQUIRED: Groups needing to cancel or change the date of a museum program or tour, call 508-347-0285 or send us a message as soon as possible, but no later than four weeks prior to the program date. This helps us accommodate other groups. Please include your school name and zip code in your message.
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What if it's raining?
Old Sturbridge Village rarely closes because of inclement weather. If raining, we recommend you dress for the weather with comfortable boots or walking shoes. If school has been cancelled due to weather conditions on the day of your visit, please leave a voice mail message before 8:30 a.m. by calling 508-347-0285.
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When is a good time to visit?
Field trip programs are available year-round. Each season offers its own unique experiences.
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How much time should we plan to spend at Old Sturbridge Village?
We recommend you plan at least three to four hours for your visit.
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Will we have time to see everything if we can only come for a short visit?
An in-depth study of five or six exhibits is better than a quick run through the entire Village. We suggest that groups explore 5-7 exhibits during a typical 4-hour museum visit. This allows you time to "read" the spaces and really talk to the costumed Villagers.
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How do your programs relate to Curriculum Frameworks?
Old Sturbridge Village is in a position to work closely with schools. Visits to the Village can be very stimulating and motivating to students, and provide opportunities to acquire new knowledge. Students can explore and experience key concepts and themes of early American history, technology, language arts, science, environment, music and civics.
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What are our options for lunch?
Bring a bag lunch and relax in our sheltered lunchroom (space is limited) or at our outdoor picnic tables (available on a seasonal basis.) Pre-order a box lunch by calling 508-347-0306
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What programs do you suggest for high school students?
The New England Town Meeting and the Anti-Slavery Petition are two popular Civics programs for high school students. You may also consider enhancing their visit with a hands-on activity or guided tour.
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Do you have any Pre-visit suggestions for us?
All of our Self-Guides include pre-visit activities but some additional suggestions include:
  • Using a map, chart the route from your school to Sturbridge, Massachusetts. How many miles is it to Sturbridge?
  • If you came to Sturbridge in the 1830s, you could take a coach or walk. If coaches averaged 6 miles per hour, and walking averaged 3 miles per hour, how long would it have taken you to get here from your school?
  • Keep a travel diary, documenting your trip to Old Sturbridge Village; including descriptions of the transportation used, sites you see, and people you meet.
  • Brainstorm your activities for a day. List chores, work, things you use, things you buy, and what you did to have fun. Use your list to develop questions to explore the life of someone your age living in the early 19th century.
  • Imagine life without electricity or modern conveniences. Brainstorm how your lives would be different.
  • Review the museum rules and brainstorm about how to behave in a museum setting.

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Do you have any Post-visit activity suggestions for us?
All of our Self-Guides include post-visit activities but some additional suggestions include:
  • Design a travel brochure for Old Sturbridge Village.
  • Write a journal entry as a man/woman/child living in the 1830s.
  • Write a Book of Trades documenting work opportunities in the early 19th century.
  • Compare life today with what it was in the early 19th century.

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Can we get funding for our visit?
Your field study can often be partially or fully funded by public and private sources. Visits have been funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council PASS program and Big Yellow School Bus to help with transportation costs; the New York BOCES program; and the Connecticut Cultural Council. Contact your local Arts Lottery Council for more information on these and other funding sources. The Target Field Trip Grants program is another source of funding for field trips.
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