Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living-history destination, will open on Wednesday, May 1 with many new opportunities for guests to have a blast in the past. From new additions to the 1920s Main Street to unique hands-on activities, baby animals, new exhibits and special events . . . guests of all ages will enjoy taking a step back in time while creating special memories with family and friends. The 43rd Annual Quilt Show will also kick-off the season with a spectacular display of quilts in Founder’s Hall, special exhibits, a vendor market, quilting demonstrations, workshops and more!

“We are looking forward to an exciting 2019 season at Sauder Village as we continue the construction of our 1920s Main Street and other changes to the Historic Village,” shared Kim Krieger, Media Relations. “Early this spring guests will have an opportunity to visit the relocated District 16 Schoolhouse and Doctor’s Office, as well as the Barbershop, Depot and Bandstand that opened last fall on the Main Street. By early to mid-summer, plans call for the Livery, Car Dealership and Gas Station to be ready for guests to enjoy! We are excited to be opening more of the Main Street over the next few years and look forward to sharing stories about life in the 1920s in Northwest Ohio.”

Also new this season, a special “Melodies on Main Street” Concert Series has been planned. Afternoon concerts will be held in the 1920s Bandstand throughout the season. The first concert featuring music by Arminda Walborn will be held on Memorial Day from 1:00-3:00 p.m.. Concerts are included with Historic Village admission and are free for Sauder Village members.

Sauder Village guests can enjoy themed experiences throughout the season with an emphasis on historic cooking, farming and crafts. Activities will encourage guests to discover the power of water, help pack a wagon, learn about horses, pigs, cows and how to milk a goat. Daily activities are posted on the Sauder Village website to help guests plan their visit. Guests will also enjoy exploring the new Communications Exhibit in the Museum and visiting the popular “Explore Our Ecosystem” hands-on exhibit in the Garden Shed.

New this year, a ride on the Erie Express Train will be included with admission to the Historic Village. Guests can board the train at either the Erie Express Depot behind the Museum or the Elmira Depot at the 1920 Main Street. The train ride is not only fun, but also offers an easy way for guests to travel through the expanding “Walk Through Time” experience at Sauder Village. 

From quilts, antique cars and agriculture to vintage base ball, apple butter and farm days,  the 2019 season is also filled with many unique special events.  To start the season the 43rd annual Quilt Show will take place from May 1 – 5 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. The show will also feature special exhibits, quilting demonstrations, quilt appraisals, classes offered during a new “Schoolhouse” event, and workshops with guest artist Pam Buda. Other upcoming events include Spring on the Farm on Saturday, May 11 and the popular Antique Car Gathering on Saturday, May 18.

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. Guests with young children enjoying playing pioneer while milking a fiberglass cow and playing in the garden and cabin at Little Pioneers Homestead. 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, enjoying a hand-dipped ice-cream cone and unique shopping are other favorite 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.

“Sauder Village is a memorable destination where guests can unplug, slow down, and spend quality time with friends and family,” Krieger shared. “The Sauder Village experience moves guests from the modern, fast-paced life into a world that celebrates unforgettable sights, sounds and memories from the past. With welcoming hospitality, delicious homestyle food, great shopping and overnight accommodations, Sauder Village is recognized as one of Ohio’s top vacation destinations.”

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 $18.00 for adults, $12.00 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.