SUNY Brockport Students Assist in Uncovering Lost 19th-Century School
In an innovative collaboration, students from SUNY Brockport are joining forces with the Clarkson Historical Society to locate the foundation of a long-lost schoolhouse built in the 19th century. The archaeological project, led by Dr. Alex Smith, an Anthropology Professor at SUNY Brockport, is set to take place on September 27, 2025, near the intersection of Routes 104 and 19 in Clarkson, New York.
The original schoolhouse, known as the Academy, was constructed in 1836 and opened with just 22 students and a single teacher. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in 1852 and rebuilt the following year as a brick Neo-Classical Greek Revival structure. Chris Graham, manager of special projects at the Clarkson Historical Society, remarked, “The original building is probably somewhere under our feet… It was made out of wood, which burned in 1852.” He emphasized the importance of this project, noting the loss of historical records over time.
The initiative aims to solve what Graham describes as “a 200-year-old mystery.” The Clarkson Historical Society is particularly eager to discover more about this foundational piece of local history, as the Academy was the first school of its kind in Western Monroe County. “This is a lost piece that we want to regain,” Graham added, highlighting the pride that may come from uncovering this significant site.
To aid in the search, the local Rochester Metal Detecting Artifacts & Recovery group has provided a metal detector to help locate remnants of the original building. Graham explained the investigative process: “When a wooden building burns, you’ll have a debris field that may contain nails, hinges, door knobs, and other artifacts. If any of that is still in the ground, we’ll find it.”
The project not only seeks to uncover physical remnants but also aims to reignite community interest in the area’s educational heritage. The Academy served as a cornerstone of learning for many years and produced notable alumni, making its rediscovery a matter of local pride. The collaboration between students and historical societies reflects a growing trend in academia to engage with local history through hands-on learning experiences, ensuring that valuable stories from the past are not forgotten.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful that this archaeological endeavor will provide insights into their shared history and foster a deeper connection with the educational roots of Clarkson.
