For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2021
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Media Contact:
Sarah Martin
C: 315-225-0256
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“New England on Parade” Exhibit to Open at Old Sturbridge Village
Exhibit inspired by newly authored book to have grand opening, Saturday, Sept. 11
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Sturbridge, M.A. – Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) is unveiling a new exhibit on Saturday, Sept. 11 called New England on Parade, examining the history of parades and parade traditions in New England from 1776 to 1940. Inspired by the Village’s 75th Anniversary Celebration and an authored work by former OSV Board Member and Trustee Jane Nylander, this newly imagined showcase will be one of the largest to come to the Village in recent times – spanning multiple buildings across the OSV campus.
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New England on Parade invites the public to learn about parades of the past, which brought communities together for public celebrations and commemorations, and were often used to generate support for social and political causes. Each display space will tell a unique piece of the story:
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The Gallery in Old Sturbridge Village’s Visitor Center – Reflects the typical processional order of a 19th-century New England parade – as well as the history of the “Antiques and Horribles” satirical parades beginning in the 1850s.
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The Countryside Gallery – Explores the ways in which parades have been used to advocate for political and social causes, with sections dedicated to temperance, suffrage, fraternal (Freemasons), and political parades.
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Gallery Row (in the existing Armed & Equipped Gallery) – Explores themes related to militia involved in parades and celebrations.
The Village will also host several parades across the Commons and OSV campus as part of the program.
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Nylander’s book, The Best Ever! Parades in New England, 1788-1940 stands as the primary inspiration for the new exhibit. Nylander worked at Old Sturbridge Village from 1969-1986 in the collections department, at one point holding the title of Senior Curator. She later became a trustee of the Village and served three consecutive terms on the Old Sturbridge Village Board.
Inspired by the Old Home Day parades she and her family have enjoyed year after year in Freedom, N.H., Nylander began researching the origin of parades across New England. Her work offers never-before-seen images of actual parades, including floats and banners that have mostly disappeared over the years, and stories around the evolution of one of New England’s favorite traditions.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the Village on this exhibit and to be able to bring the history of parades and their impact into the public eye,” says Nylander. “I hope this opens the door for people to pay more attention to the parades of today, and to bring back some of the magnificence – to see our creativity and spirit shine once again.”
New England on Parade opens at Old Sturbridge Village on Saturday, Sept. 11. It can be viewed during OSV’s normal operating hours and is included with standard daytime admission. The exhibit will run through July 2023.
The Best Ever! Parades in New England, 1788-1940 by Jane Nylander and published by Old Sturbridge Village in partnership with Bauhan Publishing, is available for pre-order at the Miner Grant Store at Old Sturbridge Village. The work goes on sale on Oct. 18, 2021.
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About Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village, first opened to the public in 1946, is one of the country's oldest and largest living history museums, celebrating life in early New England from 1790-1840. It is the largest living history museum in the Northeast, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2021. Each year, more than 250,000 visitors interact with costumed historians, experience up-close demonstrations of early American trades, and meet heritage breed farm animals. Situated on 200 scenic acres, the Village is a collection of more than 40 historic buildings - including homes, meetinghouses, trade shops, working farms, restaurants, shops and three water-powered mills.
Located just off the Massachusetts Turnpike and Routes I-84 and 20 in Sturbridge, Mass., Old Sturbridge Village is open year-round, but days and hours vary seasonally. Daily admission is: $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $14 for College Students, $14 for children ages 4-17, with children 3 and under admitted free. Up to three kids age 17 and under will be admitted FREE into the village this summer through Labor Day, when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission includes free parking. Village Members and Season Pass holders receive free standard daytime admission. For details, visit https://www.osv.org/plan-your-visit/.
Old Sturbridge Village is also the managing partner of Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, R.I. Members at OSV receive reciprocal membership at Coggeshall Farm Museum.
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