Moving Forward

On July 30th-31st, Sturbridge Village will highlight some of the efforts, struggles, and triumphs of early 19th-century New England society. Moving Forward will highlight both the topics and the groups involved in social change, like temperance, anti-slavery, local charity, the Industrial Revolution, progressive agriculture and gardening,  and women’s rights in the 1830s and how they relate to social change today.

Chat with costumed historians about racial and gender inequity in the 1830s, learn how people formed “voluntary associations” to end slavery, combat substance abuse, assist the unfortunate, protect workers’ rights, and promote peace, and explore how citizens worked to improve education and care for the poor and mentally ill.  However daunting the challenges were, there were people determined to improve society for themselves and the generations that would come after them. As you consider these stories from the past, ask yourself what you can do to build a better world for tomorrow, and beyond.