Guest Author - Cindy Kessler

Colonial life in America was full of richness. There were hardships to be sure, but they were simpler times in many ways, and, despite being separated by hundreds of years, we still share many of the same joys and challenges as people did then.

The lives of Colonial Americans were actually rather similar to our lives. They worked hard in their homes, at their jobs, and for their community. They valued education, though some went to schools and some learned at home.

The jobs available were actually not that different from the jobs we work today in many respects. They farmed, taught, and built homes and shops. They worked on fine crafts, blacksmithing, and building furniture. They traveled, mainly on foot, for short distances, in a carriage, wagon or buggy for longer distances, or by water when ever possible because the roads were unpaved, and generally hard to travel.

It was for this reason, people generally lived within walking distance of the things they needed everyday. If they could support their families on a farm, they would only have to travel into town for larger items or for trade. Their towns and villages were generally very compact, to accommodate the daily needs of the people who lived there.

One of the best ways to learn about life in a Colonial New England village is by visiting Old Sturbridge Village. Located in the heart of Massachusetts, this bustling community is a great place to visit any time of year. During the spring and summer, the village is very busy hosting visitors, planting and tending to crops, and making incredible crafts. The fall is as beautiful here as it is anywhere else in New England, but here you can experience the excitement of the harvest as well as the changing leaves. Winter at Old Sturbridge Village is, by far, my favorite time to visit. The streets, shops and homes are less crowded. Only about half of the attractions are open, but there is much more opportunity to ask questions and learn about the community. Not to mention, if you time your visit just right, you can attend Maple Days – a time when the entire Sturbridge Area comes alive with pancake breakfasts, sugaring tours and much more!

An Old Sturbridge Village brochure once said, “Have fun, Learn History.” I could not have said it better myself! It doesn’t just describe Old Sturbridge Village, but it is a quintessential tenant of my theory on studying history in general. If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right!

Happy History Hunting!