Eliot Elementary School’s Second Grade Students
Visit #8 Schoolhouse
Second-grade students have been visiting the #8 schoolhouse on Greenwood Street, as part of their Eliot History Unit, since 2007. This is the year the Eliot Historical Society completed the restoration of the old schoolhouse that originally opened in 1841.
This year the visit was especially realistic thanks to a grant from the Marshwood Education Foundation and the work of Doug Herrin and his family. The school desks have been attached to sliders that make it possible for students and adults to sit at the desks for their school visits.
Each class spent 45 minutes at the schoolhouse. Mr. Paul Johnson, President of Eliot Historical Society, welcomed them to class and explained the history of the building and the restoration project. Jan Cerabona, chair of the education committee, played the role of teacher. The students were able to see and learn about educational materials from the 1840s to the 1940s. They also participated in an actual lesson on the three R's of early education using copies of the original materials.
The #8 School is open for visitors on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of June, July, August, and September from ten to two. We welcome all visitors and hope the students will come back with their families and share what they have learned. You can also contact Jan Cerabona at 207 748-0932 or jcerab2805@aol.com and arrange a time to visit if needed. The members of EHS believe the school is a special treasure for the Eliot community and would love to have more people have the opportunity to visit and enjoy it.