Celebrating Military Heritage

Date: 11/8/2011

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) will pay tribute to the country’s military heritage by offering free admission to all current members of the U.S. military, veterans, and up to six members of each soldier’s or veteran’s family. A special Veterans Day program will highlight 300 years of American weapons history, including muskets and rifles from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II, and other eras. Village historians will demonstrate loading and firing many of these historical weapons.

To show the history of military uniforms, OSV interpreters will dress in clothing from the Revolution through the Civil War and explain how the uniforms and equipment changed over the years. Costumed historians will make musket balls in the Small House and visitors can purchase their own musket balls at the museum’s gift shop then have the blacksmiths stamp them with guests’ initials at no additional cost. Children can learn how to march and drill 19th-century style; military fife and drum music will be featured throughout the day and will accompany flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies. For details, visit www.osv.org or call 800-SEE-1830.