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.