Just in time for back to school, pay a visit to the Green Mountain Perkins Academy. The 19th century school building, still in its original condition, is the archival center for both the goings-on in the school and the community activities in South Woodstock during that time period. Many of the families who attended the academy still reside in the area and are responsible for creating the historical association in 1956 to restore and preserve the building and its history.

Mary McCuaig is the president of the Academy’s Board of Trustees and had both a great-great-grandfather and a great-grandfather who attended the school. She answered a few questions about the academy, noting, “People tell us we are a hidden gem.”

Q: What do people see when they come to visit in the summer?

A: The building itself is beautiful, having been built in 1848 and never extensively remodeled after closing in 1898. All rooms, including the third floor, which is where the local Grange met for many years, are open for visitors. The big classroom on the first floor still has the original desks and stoves and a wood box. Other rooms have exhibits ranging from school memorabilia to South Woodstock items and photographs from the period.

Our hours are limited to Saturdays in July and August and Labor Day weekend. We are open 2 to 5pm on those days. We will also do private tours. Call (802) 457-3779 to arrange a visit. 

Q: Do you have any plans for the future for the academy?

A: Our future plans for the building are to continue to care for the physical structure both inside and outside and to work on new exhibits, including one to feature alumni from the academy. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

A: You can check out our website for more information at greenmountainperkinsacademy.org.