Daily events are subject to change.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Welcome to Old Sturbridge Village, a recreated 1830s rural New England town! Summer is an exciting time here. See if you can spot coneflower, phlox, and bee balm in bloom. See our artisans making handcrafted items from iron, tin plate, clay, leather, and wood. Our farmers and gardeners are tending to the gardens and seasonal chores, and of course, our farm animals always enjoy a visitor too. Enjoy your visit!
1830s Wedding Activities
Throughout the Day:
Marriage and Divorce in the Early 19th Century
(in the Law Office, Building #11).
Printing of Marriage Forms (in the Printing Office,
Building #17).
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Baking the Wedding Cake
(in the Salem Towne House Lower Kitchen, Building #15).
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Getting Ready with the Bride: Help the bride make some last minute decisions
(in the Salem Towne House Ballroom, Building #15).
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Preparing for Marriage with the Groom: Learn about the couple’s plans for the future
(in the Fitch House, Building #20).
10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. A Guided Tour of the Hands and Hearts Exhibit: Learn about courtship and marriage in 19th century New England (in the Visitor Center, Building #2).
1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. An 1830s Wedding Ceremony: Witness a short ceremony and congratulate the couple. The ceremonies will start promptly at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. (in the Salem Towne House Garden, outside Building #15).
Exhibitions
Hands & Hearts: Courtship and Marriage in 19th-century New England: Most New Englanders chose to marry, and they did so for a variety of reasons. Learn more about these reasons, as well as four couples and their stories, in this exhibit (in the Visitor Center Exhibition Gallery, G).
Daily Activities
10:30 a.m. Martial Music: Listen to martial music and learn about the music of the militia in Early America
(in the Center Meetinghouse, Building #6).
11:30 a.m. Music fit for a Tavern: Hear a sample of 1830s fiddle tunes (in the Bullard Tavern, Building #3).
1:00 p.m. Parlor Music: Listen to a selection of formal songs set for the parlor (in the Fitch House, Building #20).
3:00 p.m. Contradanse and Controversy: Listen to some 1830’s dance music and learn about their controversies
(in the Bullard Tavern, Building #3).
3:30 p.m. Milking Demonstration
(at the Freeman Barn, near Building #34).
4:00 p.m. The Hurdy Gurdy: Listen to this strange and unusual instrument (in the Bullard Tavern, Building #3).
Dining & Shopping
Bullard Café (Building #3) (on the Ground Floor)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hungry? Stop by for lunch or a snack.
Miner Grant Store & Bake Shop (Building #18)
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stop in to buy our famous chocolate chip cookies, Joe Frogger cookies, and treats. Shop for Village-made wares, historical children’s toys and gifts, too!
Ox & Yoke Café (Building #1)
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Featuring scrumptious sweet and savory baked goods prepared on-site, along with freshly ground coffee, beer and wine, cold and hot drinks, and more.
Ox & Yoke Mercantile (Building #1)
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Take home a traditional rural
New England treasure or unique gift. Village-made crafts and kits, home décor, books, and more await!
Village Scoop Shop (Building # 24)
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Serving Ice cream and cold beverages.