Students attend a Q&A with Jim Donahue, President and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village
Last week, the Class of 2023 took a field trip to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts as part of their Museum Administration class. Sitting on 200 acres, Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast and engages visitors by providing a window into life in 1830s New England through their historic buildings, innovative programming, and their skilled costumed interpreters.
Cooperstown Graduate Program (CGP) students had the opportunity to experience the ins and outs of the museum thanks to the guidance of CGP alum James Connally, Coordinator of Interns and Fellows for Old Sturbridge Village. The students explored the museum campus to see first-hand how the village operates and what the everyday visitor experience looks like. Throughout the day, the class met and saw presentations from a variety of museum professionals. These included the development, collections, interpretation, and education teams, as well as a Q&A with the President and CEO Jim Donahue.
Getting a taste of the living history experience
The class’s trip to Old Sturbridge Village provided a deep dive into the essentials of museum operations. Through immersive learning and interaction with museum professionals, students gained a better understanding of what helps institutions stay successful and relevant in a dynamic world.
Cooperstown Graduate Program Class of 2023 with Professor Alexander on the grounds of Old Sturbridge Village