Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living-history destination, will open on Tuesday, May 1 with a focus on history, farming, gardening, crafts and a move into the 1920s by late this summer!  The 42^nd Annual Quilt Show will also kick-off the season with a spectacular display of quilts in Founder’s Hall, a vendor market, quilting demonstrations, workshops and more!

“A time-honored get-away in the Midwest, Sauder Village is ready to welcome guests of all ages back to the historic village for another season of fun,” shared Kim Krieger, Media Relations. “From students and teachers to families and friends . . . . we offer guests of all ages the opportunity to learn something new and make happy memories together!”

From its very beginning, Sauder Village has been centered around sharing experiences rich in history, hospitality, creativity and fun. Guests can enjoy themed experiences throughout the season with an emphasis on historic cooking, farming and gardening. Activities will encourage guests to “discover” the power of water, help pack a wagon, learn about horses, pigs and how to milk a goat! Daily activities are posted on the Sauder Village website to help guests plan their visit.

New this season guests will enjoy visiting “Explore Our Ecosystem,” a new hands-on exhibit in the Garden Shed, a new Weaving Shop and the renovated General Store. By mid to late summer the first phase of the 1920s Main Street Project will be open. This next phase of the “Walk Through Time” Experience includes the Elmira Train Depot, a Community Plaza and Bandstand, Barbershop and Livery Barn.

“As part of our Master Plan we continue to look for new ways to immerse guests in authentic experiences that make history relevant to our lives today,” Krieger shared. “We are excited to open this new addition late this summer and look forward to sharing stories about life in the 1920s in Northwest Ohio.”

From quilts, antique cars and agriculture to vintage base ball, apple butter and farm days  . . . the 2018 season is also filled with many unique special events.  To start the season the 42^nd annual Quilt Show will take place from May 1 – 6 with hundreds of quilts on display in Founder’s Hall. This extraordinary event celebrates the rich tradition of quilting while showcasing the fine craftsmanship of quilters from throughout the Midwest. This year’s event includes great shopping at Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop as well as a special “Vendor Market” in the Museum Building! The show will also feature special exhibits, quilting demonstrations, quilt appraisals and workshops with guest artists Edyta Sitar and Kimberly Einmo. Other upcoming events include Spring on the Farm on Saturday, May 12 and the popular Antique Car Gathering on Saturday, May 19.

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 continue to the Pioneer Settlement Area to experience life in Ohio from 1830-1870 at the log school, church, barn, homes and gardens. 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, Blacksmith Shop and Tiffin River Woodworks.

A ride on the horse-drawn carriage and a trip around the Village on the Erie Express Train are also popular activities. The Village Café is a great place for a quick lunch and the Barn Restaurant offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a home-style meal in a traditional barn setting. Guests can always find delicious treats to take home from Stella Leona Chocolates & Coffees as well as the Doughbox Bakery. For those looking to extend their stay, overnight accommodations and special packages are available at the Sauder Heritage Inn and the 87-site Sauder Village Campground.

Historic Sauder Village is open this spring Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4:00 p.m.  The Village is closed on Mondays, except holidays and summer hours will begin after Memorial Day. Admission is $17.00 for adults, $11.00 for students (6-16) and free for members and children 5 and under. Again this year, children 16 and under are free every Sunday this season! Sauder Village Memberships offer many valuable benefits and are available for only $55 for a Single, $80 for a Couple or $90 for a Family/Grandparent Membership.

For more details about planning a memorable Sauder Village get-away call 800.590.9755, visit the Sauder Village website at www.saudervillage.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.