Old Sturbridge Village gears up for a week of fun Feb. 14 - 21

Date: 2/8/2010

STURBRIDGE Keep the kids busy during February school vacation week with a mix of invigorating outdoor fun and cozy indoor activities and hands-on crafts at Old Sturbridge Village.

Enjoy a winter scavenger hunt, sleigh rides, ice skating (bring your skates) and sledding (on 1830s-style reproduction sleds). Indoor activities include puppet shows, hearthside cooking, candle-making and butter churning. Children can make and take a "thaumatrope" a 19th century toy that fools the eye.

For all times and details call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.

Skirts will swirl on Valentine's Day Feb. 14, as the Old Sturbridge Village dancers present a Washington Birthday Ball in the Bullard Tavern. Beforehand, OSV historians will discuss 19th century hairdressing techniques (including bear grease and sausage curls) in "Her Crowning Glory"; etiquette for the ball in "Please Take Hands"; and 1830s ball accessories in "Frills and Furbelows."

On Presidents' Day, Feb. 15, everyone named "George" or "Martha" will get free admission! Plus, village blacksmiths will demonstrate hatchet making in honor of George Washington. Visitors can make a George Washington hat, see how a George Washington cake is made and hears period songs and stories about the first president. The "Indian Doctress" will also present Algonkian winter fashions and stories.

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open year-round. Winter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and all Monday holidays. Admission is $20 for adult, $18 for seniors, $7 for children three to 17 and free to children under 3. All programs are subject to change. For times and details of all OSV activities visit www.osv.org or call 1-800-SEE-1830.