STURBRIDGE, Mass. - Old Sturbridge Village is celebrating Patriots' Day Weekend by sharing the history of all Patriots throughout American history, from the American Revolution through World War II.

"Patriots Day was originally introduced in the late 19^th century here in Massachusetts to remember the Battles of Lexington and Concord," said Lead Tinsmith Richard Eckert. "When the British regulars were coming out to seize military arms from the militia."

People could get an idea of what life was like in different time periods Sunday, from musket firing to cooking demonstrations.

Eckert said the clothing they wear are reproductions of what was historically handmade for centuries before technological advancements.

"A lot of your clothing, especially by the early 19^th century, is starting to be machine made," he said. "So it's cotton, linen, wool, and some silk as well."

Eckert said the weaponry on display was also critical during times of war.

"With the American Civil War, they're dealing with Flintlock smoothbore muskets which lasted from the 1600s all the way up until the mid 1900s," he said. "So for over 100 years that was the standard firearm..."

Eckert says teaching history through physical interactions as opposed to a book can help people feel more connected to the past, which he says is crucial for understanding the present.

"If we don't know where we've been we don't know where to go next," he said.  "And so being able to show that history through physical interactions, demonstrations, and continued research, we're really bringing back those stories."

Old Sturbridge Village will be closed Monday and Tuesday, but reopens Wednesday for April vacation.