AHS Project Update, August 2026: Center School Restoration

Phase 10 of the Center School Restoration Project commenced in June. Phase 10 is concentrating on the front of the schoolhouse. To date, the following has been accomplished:

• Front siding removed, wall inspected, and front re-sided.

• Removal of the concrete front porch and repair work of the building foundation.

• A new porch built with fir wood flooring, replicating the materials used in 1879 and also matching the interior fir wood floors.

• Relocation of the buidling's electrical utility box from the front exterior to the rear of the schoolhouse. Also, all associated power lines suspended above the schoolhouse frontage moved. The front of the schoolhouse now presents itself as an 1880s structure, void of modern technology.

• Discovery of the school's original flagpole in the rafters of the Kimball House Museum barn and re-installation of the flagpole, now "back home."

Phase 10 is ongoing through Sept/Oct 2026. Please drive by and enjoy·the beautiful transformation occuring!        

AHS Project Update, March 2026: Center School Restoration

Phase 9 of the Center School Restoration Project saw the restoration of the schoolhouse's original tin ceiling. This phase began in November 2025 with the sandblasting of the ceiling. Repair and restoration followed, with the application of a primer coat of paint in March.

AHS Project Update, October 2025: Center School Restoration

Phase 8 of the Center School Restoration Project occurred this past summer and early fall, involving the restoration of:

• The west side - siding completed.

• The east side - rear door removed and exterior restored.

• The south (back) side - back storage room (not original to the schoolhouse) has been removed. The small roof and gable have been repaired/restored.

The schoolhouse interior is clean and empty, awaiting the next phase, the restoration of the original tin ceiling!

AHS Project Update, July 2025: Center School Restoration

AHS is excited to announce that our next phase of the Center School Restoration Project began on July 22!  As you drive by 16 Academy Ave., take a look and see the progress we’ve made already:

The back storage room (not original to the schoolhouse) has been removed, exposing the original rear outer wall.

• On the west side of the building, the clap board has been removed.

• On the east side, the rear door has been removed, and the exterior is being restored.

• On the south side (back) of the building

  • • • The small roof is being repaired/restored.

      • The gable portion is under restoration.
        
        

Stay tuned! When this current phase is complete, AHS will be holding an Open House so that all may view in person the amazing restoration progress of our town’s 1879 historic treasure, Atkinson's last remaining one-room schoolhouse!

AHS Project Update, April 2025: Center School Restoration

The Atkinson Historical Society has undertaken the restoration of Atkinson’s last remaining one-room schoolhouse, built in 1879. To date, we have raised over $125,000 through private donations and grant awards.

During 2024, AHS was busy with the restoration contractor, Hall & Parlor, restoring the schoolhouse. The following has been accomplished with the support of the community:

• All interior walls removed

• Original decorative tin ceiling exposed

• Fir wood floors exposed

• All exterior vinyl siding removed

• Exterior east wall restored to its original appearance

• All windows original to the building restored and reinstalled

• Basement and attic infrastructure reinforced

• Cloak room (interior round wall) work begun

AHS Fundraising to Match LChip Award

Last December, Atkinson Historical Society was awarded $54,725 from the New Hampshire Land & Community Heritage Investment Program (LChip). The grant is earmarked for the restoration of the exterior of the schoolhouse and the interior’s tin ceiling.