Muster Day - At Old Sturbridge Village
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sat, 08/30/2025
To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units - the forerunner of today's National Guard. Militia musters often saw the various militia companies of several towns coming together for a regimental muster. These would have been grand spectacles with townspeople coming out to view visiting militia companies in their dashing uniforms. Come and join us for our muster day and cheer on your favorite militia company!
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
- 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.
- Our young visitors will get the chance to learn early 19th-century drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a 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.
- Purchase some soft gingerbread, a traditional Muster day treat (while supplies last)
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.
Organization:
Old Sturbridge VillageLocation:
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge, MA, 01566United States
See map: Google Maps
Phone:
(508) 733-1830Contact name:
Old Sturbridge Village
Email address:
The event has already taken place on this date:
08/30/2025
Time:
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Price:
Standard Daytime Admission
Ages
All Ages Adults & kids togetherWeb Service