Open House: Little Red Schoolhouse

Education was an early priority for Norfolk. Town leaders voted in 1767 to cover the expense if 10 or more families would set up an approved school; later the required number of families was reduced to three. The district school system eventually grew to include 11 grammar schools, each a simple one-room structure with a wood stove for heat.

Most of the schools left standing are now private residences, but the North Middle School has been restored as the Little Red Schoolhouse. It will be open to the public for four hours today, courtesy of the Norfolk Historical Society.