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.  Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| When is a good time to visit? Field trip programs are available year-round. Each season offers its own unique experiences. Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| 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. Back to top |
| Do you have any Pre-visit suggestions for us? All of our Self-Guides include pre-visit activities but some additional suggestions include:
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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:
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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. Back to top |
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