Luis
Valentin
M y S t u r b r i d g e V i l l a g e
F e a t u r e d I n t e r p r e t e r
Justin Kennick
Old Sturbridge Village Interpreter
Do you remember the first time you visited the village?
Justin: It was around 1997.
Which place at the village had the biggest impact on you during your first visit?
Justin: The farms, blacksmith shop and the water powered saw mill.
How did OSV impact your interest in History?
Justin: Old Sturbridge Village is a great place to learn, more than you ever imagined. It's much more than you ever learned in school. It's truly a "living history" experience for me.
How long have you been an interpreter at OSV?
Justin: I started in 1998. Twenty years ago...doesn't seem that long
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Justin : Never really liked school. I joined the Navy after high school, served aboard two ships as a navigator and loved it! Honorably discharged. I spent six months hiking through England and Scotland with a pack on my back. I graduated from college with a degree in Forestry and then I worked as a logger for thirty years...I was the guy with the chain saw. I have also been a Revolutionary War re-enactor since 1976. Through it all I made a lot of friends and learned a lot, about myself, the world, and the work.
Share one of your favorite moments while interpreting at the village.
Justin: On the farm one day we were cutting an old fence rail into fire wood using a two man cross cut saw, and I asked some young visitors if they'd like to help. A little red-haired girl raised her hand. When she stepped up to take hold of the handle on her end of the saw, she looked at me and nodded. That kind of nod that is brimming over with quiet self confidence and awareness. I'm fairly certain she had never used a saw like that one, but she pulled that saw like a pro. She then shook my hand and said "Thank you".
What question by a visitor stumped you the most?
Justin: "How long does it take to make an average barrel"? (Answer- there is no average. They're all different sizes, different tightness, and, in the end, all that matters is that the barrels are made).
Which is your favorite part of the village and what do you love about it?
Justin: The water powered saw mill. The look on visitors' faces when you push down on a lever and the massive iron saw blade starts moving up and down!
What advice would you give a new interpreter?
Justin: Open your mind, because there's so much to fill it with. Listen to your fellow interpreters..you will learn more from them than any book.