Thanksgiving Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village

Thursday, November 27, 2014 to Saturday, November 29, 2014

Join Old Sturbridge Village and experience the traditions of an early 19th-century New England Thanksgiving. Learn about 1830s dining etiquette and watch the men of the Village compete in a post-dinner target shoot. Smell the scents of roasted turkey and pies warming by the fire. Learn about Native American Thanksgiving traditions and customs, and hear the minister talk about the real meaning of Thanksgiving in the Village’s historic Center Meetinghouse.

Thursday, November 27

See and smell turkeys roasting before the fire
Observe a 19th-century Thanksgiving meal being enjoyed by our costumed interpreters and learn how their dining customs differ from today’s
Discover Native American foodways and their unique Thanksgiving connections. Visit with the Indian Doctress as she shares Native traditions of giving thanks.
Thanksgiving Dinner and Thanksgiving Buffet at OSV

Friday, November 28

Expanded 19th-century Shooting Match

Marvel at the marksmanship of local villagers as they compete for bragging rights and other traditional prizes during this unique 19th-century Thanksgiving social event. The shooters will use traditional smoothbore flintlock muskets. There will be a gun available from time to time for young shooters to examine – without powder, of course.

History of Thanksgiving
Friday Thanksgiving Feast Buffet at the Oliver Wight Tavern.

Saturday, November 29

A re-created early New England Wedding

Thanksgiving was a time of celebration and family reunions. With everyone gathered together it also became a favorite time to celebrate a wedding. Visitors will get a chance to talk with the couple in the morning during their prenuptual preparations. In the afternoon, hear readings from the diaries and letters that document their star-crossed courtsthip and then watch the couple exchange vows.