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!
- 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.
- Learn why many New Englanders were pushing for reforms to the militia system and the role that intemperance played in those reforms.
- Hear the Singing School practice for a concert to welcome Lafayette.
PLUS: This Muster Day, we’re getting ready for the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette! This year marks the Bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of the United States and to commemorate this tour, the American Friends of Lafayette are hosting educational programs across the United States in the same cities and towns that Lafayette visited on his tour. On Muster Day, view an exhibit from the American Friends of Lafayette and some objects in the OSV Museum Collection commemorating Lafayette’s visit, purchase some gingerbread based on Mary Washington’s Lafayette gingerbread receipt (recipe), and make your own “Welcome Lafayette” ribbon. Then, on September 3rd, join us on the Sturbridge Common (NOT the Old Sturbridge Village Common), the exact ground where Lafayette stopped on September 3, 1824, for a Commemorative ceremony celebrating Lafayette’s arrival in Sturbridge, MA. Learn more about the Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour here.
Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under. SAVE $3/person by purchasing your tickets online instead of at the door! Food and drink are also available for purchase.
