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Van Cortlandtville Historical Society

297 Locust Avenue
914-736-7868

About

The Society began conducting its Early School Days program at the Schoolhouse in 1975. This program enables local fourth-graders to experience a morning or afternoon of classroom life in the 1840s. Costumed historians  join the students' regular teachers in conducting classes, including a spelling bee.

Our regular meetings, at 2 p.m. at the Schoolhouse on the third Saturday of each month, feature a variety of speakers and presentations that extend far beyond our primary emphasis on early education and the rich Revolutionary War history of our community. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Our meeting place has a rich historical past.  In the 19th century, The Little Red Schoolhouse served as a one-room schoolhouse, first for boys, then for boys and girls, its pupils ranging from kindergarteners to eighth graders.  Functioning without electricity, it drew on window light and oil lamps, and on a wood-burning stove for heat.  Outhouses were located at the rear of the structure. 

The school served District 10 until 1935, but was called back into use as a kindergarten between 1952 and 1972. In 1989, its contributions were recognized when it was listed on the New York State and then the National Register of Historic Places.