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Friends of the Parkerville Schoolhouse

P.O. Box 466
978-692-8924

The Friends of the Parkerville Schoolhouse formed in 1989 with the vision of preserving this 1880 one-room schoolhouse as both a meeting place for townspeople and a living history classroom for local children. The Town of Westford accepted their proposal, provided that costs of renovation and maintenance would not be borne by the town.

Since then, the Friends have relied on the generosity of volunteers and donors, as well as fund-raising efforts, to maintain and improve the building. Since 1989, basic improvements have included indoor plumbing, a new roof, septic system and upgraded heating.

Recent accomplishments include a granite front step for easier access, plumbing, heating and ramp repair. Also, the ongoing maintenance of the grounds and gardens. For conservation purposes,a retaining wall and extensive drainage system were installed at the site of the "Friends' Garden" in the south corner of the schoolyard. In addition, a new flag for the outside of the schoolhouse was purchased. The Westford Garden Club made a gift of a dwarf weeping cherry tree, which was placed in the keystone of the school's original well cover.

To re-create the atmosphere of an early schoolroom, the Friends have furnished the school with circa 1920's desks and memorabilia. Interviews were done with former students; their stories are a source of wonderful details for the Living History program

Each year, the Friends conduct a town-wide mailing in October to solicit donations as well as volunteers for the on-going work of preserving the school. Although the town owns and insures the building, all projects at the schoolhouse are done at no cost to the town