: Special events this summer at Old Sturbridge Village focus on
Native American life in central New England, among them Native
American Weekend on August 9-10.
Complementing the museum's ongoing exhibit "The Enduring People:
Native American Life in Central New England," the weekend
features activities highlighting the presence and history of
Indians in early Nineteenth Century New England.
There will be special demonstrations of Native American
technologies, including stone tool making and open-air cooking.
Nineteenth Century actor Edwin Forrest, whose play about the New
England Indians entitled "Metamora" was one of the most popular
plays of its day, will be portrayed by a village interpreter.
Marge Bruchac, the Abenaki historian and storyteller, will
portray her character Indian Doctress Molly Geet, offering her
programs of walking tours and performances highlighting the
experiences of Native Americans in 1830s New England.
On August 9, a Village historian will lead guided tours of the
exhibit, which features Nineteenth Century southern New England
Indian-made artifacts from the village's collection, most of
which have never been exhibited.
Despite the commonly held assumption that Indians long ago
disappeared from the area, Native Americans have lived in central
New England since the last Ice Age - and are still a vital part
of the region's community. "The Enduring People" exhibit
documents both the continuity and profound change that has marked
the lives of Sturbridge-area Native Americans over the past four
centuries.
The village is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm through the
summer. Admission is $20 and includes a free return visit within
10 days and guests of second-day visitors receive a 25 percent
discount. Old village is located just off Route 20 in Sturbridge.
For information, www.osv.org or 800-SEE-1830.
