Muster Day

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Venue:	Old Sturbridge Village
Hours:	9:30-5:00
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	$ see below
Category:	Arts & Culture

Witness the sights and sounds of a re-created early 19th-century muster day, as Village militia members fire their muskets and drill and practice battle techniques on the Common.

Imagine if there were only 8,000 men in the entire U.S. Army.

That's how it was in the 1830s. To supplement the meager armed forces, most farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units, the forerunner of today's National Guard. Every spring these citizen-soldiers were 'called to muster' for a day of training, inspection, ... and to elect their own officers.

Learn the difference between volunteer militia companies, who drilled regularly and had matching uniforms, and enrolled companies, who typically met only twice a year to train.

Groups will be demonstrating drilling, military martial music, target practice and 'sham fights' or mock battles.

Our young visitors will get the chance to learn period drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a toy gun. Later, the new recruits will be able to put their skills to use in their own “mock battle”.
We will also be showcasing how Villagers would have relaxed and celebrated on such a day. Visitors can buy gingerbread on the Common using a period-appropriate coin and witness and visit a Striped Pig Tent.

In the 1830's the 'Fifteen Gallon Law' was enacted in Massachusetts, making it illegal to sell alcohol by the drink. To circumvent the law, an entrepreneur in Dedham, MA erected a tent, painted stripes on a common pig and charged 6 1/4 cents to see the 'Wonderful Striped Pig'. Customers were then given a free glass of rum, by-passing the law. Our pig will be in a tent on the Common, lemonade substituting for rum.

COST

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Regular Daytime Admission Rates(subject to change without notice)Adults: $24.00Seniors (65 and over): $22.00Youths (3-17): $8.00Children under age 3: FreeMembers: Free

WEBSITE

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www.osv.org/activities_events/event_calendar_more.html?ID=559&DateID=1919

LOCATION

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Route 20, Sturbridge, MA map
Phone: 800-SEE-1830

GPS
Find Old Sturbridge Village as a point of interest or use the physical address:
40 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566

By Bus or Train
Amtrak, Peter Pan and Greyhound are serving the city of Worcester. Red Cab Taxi is available from the train or bus station to transport you to Sturbridge, MA.

By Air
Old Sturbridge Village is easily accessible from Logan International Airport in Boston, TF Green in Rhode Island, Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, Worcester Regional Airport or Southbridge Municipal Airport. Rental cars and limousine services are available from these airports.

Parking
FREE parking is available at our museum.

Tolls
The E-ZPass transponder is accepted at the FAST LANE in Massachusetts. Calculate Toll for your trip on the Masspike [I-90].