Muster Day at Old Sturbridge Village on May 16

STURBRIDGE, MA – Old Sturbridge Village will celebrate an old-fashioned “Muster Day” on Sat., May 16, featuring the 1812 Marines from Boston’s U.S.S. Constitution, who will march and drill and demonstrate field maneuvers alongside the Sturbridge militia.  Active military personnel get a 50-percent admission discount, and visitors can enjoy hoop races, French & English (tug of war), crafts demonstrations and an opportunity to help the farmers with spring work.  Guests can ride the Village stagecoach and Quinebaug River boat (extra charge), and the horse-drawn carry-all gives free rides around the Mill Pond. For information: www.osv.org; 1-800-733-1830.

Imagine if homeland security fell to everyday citizens.  In rural New England in the 1830s, that’s how it was, and the farmers and craftsmen in each town formed the local militia.  Twice a year, these folks spent a day training, or were “called to muster,” to maintain preparedness. Just such a day will be re-created at Old Sturbridge Village Sat. May 16.

A flag-raising to the sounds of fifes and drums opens the day, and the Sturbridge militia, once gathered or “mustered,” undergoes inspection, drilling and musket firing on the Common.  Guests can also try on a knapsack and cartridge box, and make a militia hat to wear and take home.  Master gunmaker Stephen Paulson is on hand all day at the Hands-On Crafts Center.

“Muster Day was not all work and no play,” said curator Tom Kelleher. “As hard as these folks worked on their maneuvers, it was also a day away from regular chores, and an opportunity for recreation.”   Along these lines, the Village will re-create a traditional “striped pig” tent, which was a way to skirt laws banning alcohol sales in the 1830s.  Those thirsting for an alcoholic drink could pay a nickel to enter a tent to see a “striped pig” and also get a shot of rum.  Although OSV will have a real striped pig, lemonade will be substituted for the rum.

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission: $20; seniors, $18; children 3-17, $7; children under 3, free. Active military personnel get a 50% discount on admission by showing their ID and members of their party get 25% off.  For information: www.osv.org or call 1-800-733-1830.