On Sunday, October 3rd, 2010, the West Ward School re-opened as Wakefield History Museum, featuring the collection of the Wakefield Historical Society.  The Schoolhouse, built in 1847, was for many years the oldest continuously operating two-room schoolhouse in the Commonwealth, until a fallen second floor ceiling uncovered serious structural problems.  Now fully restored, with the original blackboards revealed, and portions of the original paneling and paint color displayed, the first floor schoolroom will serve as the backdrop for the rich and varied collection of artifacts, paintings, documents and photographs of the Wakefield Historical Society.  Special exhibits will celebrate various aspects of the town’s history.  The afternoon’s festivities will include historic games for young children, along with refreshments. 

Also on view are some never before seen photographs created from glass negatives, which will be featured in the upcoming Arcadia publication, “Images of America:  Wakefield Revisited,” written by Nancy Bertrand, whose proceeds will support the operations of the Museum. 

The public is cordially invited to visit the recently re-opened Wakefield’s beloved “Little Red Schoolhouse.”  In its life as a working school, the 163-year old building has educated generations of Wakefield’s youth.  In this new incarnation, the Schoolhouse will continue in its educational function as it illuminates the town’s historic heritage for future generations.