High School of President Calvin Coolidge in Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Weston, Plymouth, Mt Holly, Weathersfield, and Springfield Vermont

The Black River Academy Museum

Founded in 1835, the Black River Academy enrolled 95 boys and 85 girls in high school classes. Fire destroyed the three-story building in 1844. School was held in the Union Church until 1889. The present building was built on this church property in 1888-89. The school continued to operate until 1938.

For a very modest tuition, students studied higher English, Languages, Science, Music, Drawing and the Classics. The Academy's reputation for excellence soon drew students from all over New England and from many other states of the Union. Many of its students went on to achieve fame and success. President Calvin Coolidge, whose home was in nearby Plymouth, Vermont, was an 1890 graduate.

The building became a Museum in 1972 through alumni efforts. Visitors are welcome Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon-4:00 pm, from late May to mid-October (other times by appointment). Free will admission.


What you can see:

. A turn of the century school room on the third floor. In between the second and third floor you can ring the original school bell.·
. The President's room: Exhibit of furniture, clothing, quilts, china, paintings, etc. set in Victorian Era rooms. Designed by Black River High School advanced placement History students.
· The Grange room: Replicas of Main Street Ludlow businesses around the turn-of-the-century. Designed by Black River High School advanced placement History students.
· The Alumni room: Includes early woolen mill exhibit, an exhibit of Finnish/Americans in the Ludlow area and the textile school.
· The Rotary room: Restored by the Ludlow Rotary Club this room offers Calvin Coolidge and Rotary memorabilia, a small research library and gift shop.
· Periodic special exhibits: Present exhibit - Images From The Past - photos of classes from 1883 to 1938.

Fiber Arts School

The museum operates a Fiber Arts School throughout the year. Classes are available in spinning, weaving, knitting, chair caning, felting, needlework, and rug hooking. In addition, classes are arranged in tole painting, basket weaving, 19th century floor cloths and many others.
Catalogs are available

Local Black River Academy

Black River Academy Museum & Historical Society
14 High St
Ludlow, VT 05149
802.228.5050
glbrehm@tds.net
Open June to Columbus Day Tuesday to Saturday 1 PM to 4 pm. Winter by Appointment.
Museum Director: Georgia Brehm

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