Welcome to the Old Schoolhouse in Mount Holly, New Jersey, a remarkable testament to the enduring value of education in American history. This charming one-room schoolhouse, built in 1759, is the oldest of its kind in New Jersey still standing on its original site. Imagine stepping back in time to a period when education was a privilege, often conducted in private homes or not at all. On September 21, 1759, a group of 21 visionary men from Mount Holly came together with a shared purpose: to provide a dedicated space for the education of the town’s youth. They purchased land and built this schoolhouse, which became a cornerstone of the community.
Among these founding men were individuals who left significant marks on Mount Holly’s history. They were instrumental in the establishment of the St. Andrew’s Church in 1742 and the Brittania Fire Company in 1752, and in 1765, they helped charter the Mount Holly Library Company.
Originally, the schoolmaster charged parents directly for ‘schooling thy child,’ reflecting the informal nature of education at the time. However, in 1815, the Female Benevolent Society took ownership, transforming it into a free public school for all poor children in the area, decades before the public school system was established in New Jersey.
Today, the Old Schoolhouse offers a unique glimpse into colonial education practices. Visitors, including groups of fourth-grade students, can experience history firsthand, engaging with eighteenth-century math problems on slate and reading from traditional hornbooks. Costumed instructors bring the past to life, making this historical site a living classroom.
The Old Schoolhouse stands not only as an educational institution but as a symbol of community effort and the pursuit of knowledge. It continues to welcome visitors, fostering an appreciation for history and the roots of education.
