Archbold, OH – Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living-history destination, will open on Tuesday, April 26 with new themed exhibits in the Museum Building opening early in the season – allowing guests an interactive opportunity to learn about the Sauder Companies, the Great Black Swamp, Agriculture, and the Archbold Community. The 40th Annual Quilt Show will also kick-off the season with a spectacular display of quilts in Founder’s Hall, quilting demonstrations, workshops, special music and much more!
“2016 promises to be a big year at Sauder Village as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Historic Village with new exhibits, events and special anniversary activities,” shared Jeanette Smith, Director of Sales & Marketing. “After a long winter, our costumed guides and working craftsmen are always eager to welcome guests from across the country back to Sauder Village to explore, discover and have fun in the past.”
With the Museum Building closed for much of the 2015 season due to flooding, guests will certainly be excited about the updates made to this collection of Ohio history. Thanks to support from many generous donors, major renovations have taken place in the Museum Building to provide more engaging and interactive learning opportunities. In the first gallery guests can learn more about Erie Sauder and the Sauder Companies with new artifacts and photos on display and an interactive video kiosk. Next, guests can explore agriculture in Ohio with an expanded “Grain: From Field to Flour” display and also “Agriculture: It’s All Around Us,” – a brand new exhibit that addresses the role agriculture plays in providing food, clothing and shelter. The “Great Black Swamp” gallery is an exciting, multi-faceted display that looks at the natural environment of Northwest Ohio, how the swamp has been altered, and the people who have lived in the swamp. Finally, in celebration of Archbold’s Sesquicentennial, the “Building Our Community” exhibit opening in June will highlight major events, challenges and successes in the Archbold community along with people who helped to shape it.
“Guests will have an opportunity to take a walk through the Great Black Swamp, play interactive farming games and explore a variety of unique artifacts in these new gallery exhibits,” Smith added. “We’re sure these new exhibits will be a highlight of the 2016 season and we’ll look forward to continued enhancements to our Museum Building into the future.”
Some new events are on the calendar for the 2016 season including a week-long Agriculture Adventures event in June and “The Great Planting” featuring hundreds of Massey-Ferguson tractors at the Village in September. From quilts, dolls and barbershop music to vintage base ball, apple butter and farm days. . . .the 2016 season is filled with events to interest guests of all ages. To start the season the annual Quilt Show will take place from April 26 through May 1 with more than 400 quilts will be on display for the annual Quilt Show. This extraordinary event celebrates the rich tradition of quilting while showcasing the fine craftsmanship of quilters from throughout the region.
This year’s event also includes a special Ruby Red Celebration exhibit – a collection of red & white quilts to in Celebration of 40 years of the Quilt Show at Sauder Village. Another special display will be the “Dare to Dance” Art Quilts. This innovative collection of art quilts reflects individual expressions of dance and joy. This year’s show also includes quilting demonstrations, shopping, special exhibits and workshops! Other upcoming events include Spring on the Farm on Saturday, May 14 and the popular Antique Car Gathering on Saturday, May 21.
Ohio’s largest living-history destination, Sauder Village offers plenty for guests to see and do while visiting historic homes, farms, gardens and community shops. Families can take a walk through time while exploring wigwams and a trading post at Natives & Newcomers and then continue to the Pioneer Settlement Area to experience life in Ohio from the 1830-1870 at the log school, church, barn, homes, gardens and more! Finally, guests can step into the 1920s at the Grime Homestead complete with telephone, radio and player piano. Throughout the Village guests can also marvel at craftsmen blending skill and creativity in glass, metals, fabric, wood and clay. Every day traditional and contemporary craftsmen not only demonstrate their trade but also offer hand-crafted items available for sale in places like the Spinning Shop, Pottery Shop, Weaving Shop, Glass Shop and Tiffin River Woodworks.
For guests with young children a visit to Sauder Village would not be complete without spending time in the log cabin, barn and garden at Little Pioneers Homestead or meeting the new baby animals in the barnyard. A ride on the horse-drawn carriage and a trip around the Village on the Erie Express Train are also popular activities. The Barn Restaurant offers a unique place to enjoy a home-style meal and guests can always find delicious treats to take home from the Doughbox Bakery. For those looking to extend their stay, overnight accommodations and special packages are available at the Sauder Heritage Inn or newly expanded Sauder Village Campground.
For more details about planning a memorable Sauder Village get-away call 800.590.9755, visit the new Sauder Village website at www.saudervillage.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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