Old Sturbridge Village offers flags, support for military

  • Published
  • By Ann Lindblad
  • Old Sturbridge Village
STURBRIDGE, Mass. --  A favorite annual tradition at Old Sturbridge Village is the "planting" of a patriotic Field of Flags between Memorial Day and Independence Day to celebrate United States history. This year, each donation of $25 to the village's Field of Flags will sponsor a free visit to the museum for active members of the U.S. military and their immediate family members now through the end of 2012.

"Imagine 5,000 flags fluttering in the breeze at the village. That's our goal," said Jim Donahue, president and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village. "Extending free military admission funded by our Field of Flags is one way we can honor the sacrifices of our military families and give them a special outing together."

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is one of the oldest and largest living history museums in the country.

The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. OSV offers free parking and a free return visit within 10 days. The cost for regular admission is $24; seniors $22; children 3 to 17, $8; and children 2 and under are free.

For further information visit www.osv.org or call 800-733-1830.

Music and Art Weekend: June 16 and 17; Father's Day, dads get free admission to OSV
The village comes alive with the sounds and sights of 19th century popular music and art with more than 50 singers, dancers, musicians and artists. Folk singer Jeff Warner will perform and singers will present solo a cappella vocal performances of 19th century songs and ballads, and a concert by the OSV singers. Visitors can enjoy fife and drum music and a performance on the museum's antique pipe organ. Artists will demonstrate early 1800s-style sketching, silhouette cutting, watercolor and painting. Guests can learn 19th century dances, paper marbling and how to play the jaw harp and tin whistle. For further information, visit www.osv.org/activities_events/event_calendar_more.html?ID=690&DateID=1789.