Archbold, OH — Sauder Village will open the Historic Village on Wednesday, April 29, launching its 50th season with the annual Quilt Show and continuing the year with exciting new activities and events.
The 2026 season includes a birthday celebration in June, an America-250 picnic in July, plus new educational partnerships with regional organizations throughout the season.
“As we prepare to open the Historic Village for our 50th birthday celebration, this is the perfect time to reflect on our traditions of promoting history education, delivering timeless hospitality and inspiring wonder in all ages while we look ahead to what we can accomplish for our local neighbors, our regional guests, and the greater community over the next 50 years and beyond,” said Todd D. Norris, Sauder Village President and CEO.
“I invite everyone to join us at the Village to be part of the celebration, whether it’s walking through the history of the Great Black Swamp or taking advantage of our season-long birthday events. We look forward to welcoming you!”
Sauder Village will host a complex-wide birthday celebration on Sunday, June 14 — the anniversary of the day Sauder Village first opened in 1976.
The special Sunday opening will include $3 Historic Village admission (the same price as 50 years ago), plus discounts at the Barn Restaurant and Doughbox Bakery. The Historic Village will be filled with birthday-themed activities and 1970s history on that weekend.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, Sauder Village will also host an America-250 picnic on Saturday, July 4, following the Naturalization Ceremony held annually at the Village.
Sauder Village is excited to collaborate with a variety of organizations throughout this season to further enrich the Historic Village experience. Partners include University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, Operation Lifesaver and Archbold Public Library, bringing a variety of activities to special themed weeks throughout the season.
Themed weeks this year include Transportation Week, Communication Week, Farm Week, Weather Week, STEAM Week, Art of the Picture Book, and Apple Weeks.
“If you haven’t visited Sauder Village since you were in school, or if you’ve never visited before, there is no better time to experience what we have to offer than during the year of our 50th birthday,” said Sarah Rupp, Visitor Experience and Evaluation Manager.
“The Historic Village will be full of new and exciting activities all year long.” In conjunction with the Historic Village’s opening week, the 49th annual Quilt Show will be held in Founder’s Hall from Wednesday, April 29 through Saturday, May 2.
This juried show has hundreds of quilts entered in 12 different categories and showcases the breadth of the quilting artform today.
“The Quilt Show is our longest running event and it continues to be an anchor in our event calendar each year,” said Andi Erbskorn, Director of Marketing.
“Over the course of 49 years, the world of quilting has changed. Where in the past, quilts tended to be larger and made specifically for a bed, today’s works often break out of the traditional blanket shape and can be small or three dimensional.
“Our show celebrates this long tradition and you will see both very traditional bed quilts along with really unique wall hangings.”
This year, there will be a Quilts of Valor Exhibit featuring patriotic quilts made for U.S. service members.
Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national organization that works to “cover servicemen and veterans touched by war with the comfort and healing of quilts.”
The quilts on display were donated specifically for this exhibit. Nominated service members will receive the quilts at a special awarding ceremony on Saturday, May 2, at 2:30 p.m. in the Carolyn Sauder Education Center at Sauder Village.
“We are honored to partner with the Quilts of Valor Foundation to recognize Armed Forces members from Ohio and Indiana,” said Deb Ridgway, Adult Education Manager.
“The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation to cover service members and veterans touched by war with a quilt is a powerful and moving experience.”
The Quilt Show exhibit is included with Historic Village admission. Show-only admission is $15. For more information on Sauder Village, visit our website, saudervillage.org, or call 1.800.590.9755.