News Summary
Old Sturbridge Village and Coggeshall Farm Museum have merged to strengthen educational offerings and ensure sustainability for living history in New England. The agreement allows Old Sturbridge Village to operate Coggeshall, enhancing visitor experiences and educational programs related to 18th-century life in Rhode Island. This merger aims to attract more tourists while maintaining the unique identities of both organizations.
Rhode Island – A strategic merger has been finalized between Old Sturbridge Village and Coggeshall Farm Museum, enhancing the educational offerings of the Coggeshall site and reinforcing the sustainability of living history in New England. This merger brings together two significant heritage organizations with the aim of preserving history while improving visitor experiences at both locations.
Under the new agreement, Old Sturbridge Village, the fifth largest art and culture nonprofit in New England, will assume full operational control of Coggeshall Farm Museum. This transition is expected to allow Coggeshall to better focus on showcasing its 18th-century coastal farm environment and enhance its educational programs related to life on a late 18th-century salt marsh farm. Coggeshall’s 48-acre site in Bristol, Rhode Island has served as a living history museum that illustrates the daily routines and agricultural practices of that era.
Jim Donahue, president and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village, has indicated that the merger aims to provide necessary support to smaller organizations struggling to operate independently within the current tourism economy. To ensure a collaborative effort, representatives from Coggeshall Farm Museum will join the Old Sturbridge Village Board of Trustees, thereby maintaining the identity of both institutions while working towards common goals.
Old Sturbridge Village operates as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Central Massachusetts, with an impressive revenue of $15.1 million reported for fiscal year 2024 and a record of 200,000 visitors in 2023. The facility has seen a notable increase in attendance and successfully managed Coggeshall Farm since 2020. During this time, the museum marked its highest daily attendance in May, welcoming over 2,000 visitors.
The merger not only aims to improve sustainability for both museums but is also designed to attract a greater number of tourists from Rhode Island, increasing overall visitation and engagement. This collaboration is regarded as a strategic step for Old Sturbridge Village as it expands its influence and educational programs, particularly in the realms of New England’s history and heritage.
Although the two organizations are merging operationally, they will retain their respective names and identities. This approach allows both to maintain their unique characteristics while benefiting from shared resources and knowledge. Cynthia Michener, who is the chair of the Old Sturbridge Village Board of Trustees, will oversee the integration process along with the additional board members from Coggeshall.
In addition to managing heritage sites, Old Sturbridge Village also operates two charter schools in Massachusetts. Previous attempts to open a charter school in Rhode Island were abandoned, focusing their resources instead on enhancing their museum offerings. The organization’s commitment to education extends beyond historical preservation and cultural representation, aiming to serve the community through various educational initiatives.
As living history museums face challenges in the modern tourism era, mergers like this one are becoming increasingly important to ensure their longevity and relevance in the eyes of visitors. By pooling resources and expertise, Old Sturbridge Village and Coggeshall Farm Museum aim to create a stronger and more impactful educational experience for all guests, while preserving the rich history of the regions they represent.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WB Journal: Old Sturbridge Village Merges with Historic RI Farm
- Boston Globe: Coggeshall Farm Museum Takeover
- PBN: Coggeshall Farm Completes Merger with Old Sturbridge Village
- ABC6: Coggeshall Farm Hosts Bristol Expedition Weekend
- USA Today: Bristol Rhode Island Travel Guide
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Google Search: Coggeshall Farm Museum
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Old Sturbridge Village
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
