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STURBRIDGE — Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) hosted its annual naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July, welcoming more than 100 new American citizens as part of its Independence Day celebration.

Old Sturbridge Village hosted its annual naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July, welcoming more than 100 new American citizens as part of its Independence Day celebration. (COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)
Old Sturbridge Village hosted its annual naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July, welcoming more than 100 new American citizens as part of its Independence Day celebration. (COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)

During the public ceremony on the village common the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services presented the citizenship candidates to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, where they took the oath of allegiance for the very first time and officially became citizens of the United States.

Surrounded by family members, friends, village guests, and community members, the new citizens marked the monumental and moving milestone on the very day the nation celebrated its independence.

“Our annual naturalization ceremony is one of the most meaningful days of the year at Old Sturbridge Village,” said OSV President and CEO Jim Donahue. “Watching people become American citizens is incredibly moving, you can see the pride and joy on their faces. It’s a wonderful reminder that the American story is still being written every day.”

A family poses for a portrait at the July 4 naturalization ceremony at Old Sturbridge Village, an annual tradition that welcoming more than 100 new American citizens. (COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)
A family poses for a portrait at the July 4 naturalization ceremony at Old Sturbridge Village, an annual tradition that welcoming more than 100 new American citizens. (COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)

OSV continues honoring America’s 250th birthday throughout the month of July with Independence Forever, a celebration where visitors can step into Voices of a Revolution, a brand-new immersive experience that places them in a small Massachusetts town at the beginning of the Revolution and asks one simple question — What would you have done in 1776?

Guests receive the identity of a real Massachusetts resident and become part of the story as they encounter Revolutionary-era characters, hear competing perspectives, and navigate the same difficult choices ordinary New Englanders faced 250 years ago.

Throughout the month there will be live Revolutionary-era music, hands-on activities, artisans at work, and a new exhibition exploring the nation’s first 50 years. Then, on Aug. 1 and 2 OSV will host their annual Redcoats & Rebels followed by Summer Sounds & Sparks on Aug. 15 featuring live music, food, and fireworks.

For more information including a full schedule of upcoming events visit osv.org.

Old Sturbridge Village hosted its annual naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July, welcoming more than 100 new American citizens as part of its Independence Day celebration. (COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)
Old Sturbridge Village hosted its annual naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July, welcoming more than 100 new American citizens as part of its Independence Day celebration. (COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)
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