The re-opening of the newly restored Bogarttown Schoolhouse is being marked with a ribbon-cutting event Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre.
Steeped in history, S.S. No. 3 Bogarttown, built in 1857, served as a schoolhouse for 112 years until its closure in 1969. Referred to as the "ideal little red schoolhouse," this structure is more than just a building — it's a living testament to the story of rural schools in 19th-century Whitchurch-Stouffville, according to a town news release.
In 1970, the Township of Whitchurch purchased the schoolhouse and following the amalgamation of Whitchurch-Stouffville in 1971, the schoolhouse was re-opened as the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum.
"Thanks to the dedication of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum staff working group, we have successfully restored the 19th-century classroom to preserve its original features, including the beautiful pressed-tin ceiling and historic slate boards,” said town commissioner of community services Rob Braid. “Visitors can step back in time and experience what rural Ontario schools were like well into the 20th century.”
"This schoolhouse is not just a piece of architecture; it’s a cornerstone of our community’s identity,” said Mayor Iain Lovatt. “Bogarttown has become a beacon for preserving and celebrating our local heritage. The new exhibit not only celebrates the history of rural education in the former Whitchurch Township but also draws meaningful connections to life in modern Whitchurch-Stouffville."
The event takes place from from 11 a.m. to noon.
The Bogarttown Schoolhouse Heritage Restoration Project was funded by The Rural Economic Development Program of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
For more information, visit townofws.ca/museum.
