On Saturday, September 2 there is more to see at Old Sturbridge Village as they host a full day of programming during Muster Day.
Muster Day is a day of military celebration, muskets, martial music, and more. In the early 19th century, farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Often, the various militia companies of several towns would come together for a regimental muster, a grand display that brought the townspeople out to cheer on the companies as they marched by in dashing uniforms.
Old Sturbridge Village is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and visitors can:
- Talk to members of two uniformed volunteer militia companies.
- Listen to early 19th-century martial music.
- Watch musket and cannon firing demonstrations
- See a “Sham Fight” as rival militia companies square off against each other in the field. Scheduled for 3:00pm (subject to change).
- Young visitors will get the chance to learn early 19th-century drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a wooden toy musket.
- See the “striped pig” and learn how it was used to skirt the early 19th-century liquor laws.
- Learn why many New Englanders were pushing for reforms to the militia system and the role that intemperance played in those reforms.
- For a full list of the day’s activities and to purchase tickets visit https://www.osv.org/event/muster-day/.
Muster Day is included with standard daytime admission or membership to Old Sturbridge Village.
Image courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd
Sturbridge, MA
