Merrimack Schoolhouses #3 and #12, Placed On National Registry

Merrimack, NH — Merrimack Schoolhouse #3, located on 10 Depot Street, and Merrimack Schoolhouse #12, located at 520 Boston Post Road, were placed on the National Schoolhouse Registry on May 01, 2024 for their importance to America’s educational history, having met the criteria for inclusion on the National Schoolhouse Register.

A plaque revealing ceremony is scheduled for June 01, 2024 at 10:00 am at SchoolHouse #3, 10 Depot street, Merrimack.

The Merrimack Historical Society submitted the nomination for both schools whose hallowed ground and sturdy walls provide a glimpse into our educational past. Merrimack is unique in that we have two existing schoolhouses that are still in use.

History of #3 - Was at 632 DW Highway south of St. James Methodist Church. Originally a one room, but expanded to two rooms. The school was moved to 10 Depot St., in the 1970's where it became the PTA Kindergarten. It is on the site of the old McGaw Institute- later to be Merrimack’s first high school-still called McGaw. The schoolhouse is the current home of the Merrimack Historical Society. The first teachers were: Priscilla Merrill and Alexis Proctor. And the last teachers were: Evelyn Shorey and Madeline Bennett.

History of #12 - Located at 520 Boston Post Rd. across from the Merrimack Valley Baptist Church. It was closed in 1947 and sold to the Community Club. Still at that location, but currently the home of the Merrimack Historical Society until it moved to Schoolhouse #3. The first teacher at the schoolhouse in 1847 was Rev. S. Dodge from the Congregational Church. The last teacher was John Gallagher.

Through its National Schoolhouse Registry Program, the County School Association of America (CSAA) recognizes school buildings that contribute in some positive way to the appreciation and understanding of the country school experience and their unique architectural and historical heritage. Markers are awarded to school buildings that are at least 50 years old, that have been restored, renovated or reconstructed to retain the integrity of their original design, and are well maintained. It is the hope of the Country School Association of Americas that this registry and marker will not only serve to identify school buildings of historical and/or architectural significance, but will also recognize preservation achievements and encourage the continuing care.

Listing on the National Schoolhouse Register is an honor bestowed by the CSAA to give a school building prestige, hopefully provide protection in the future and possibly help with eligibility for preservation and financial incentives.

Merrimack Schoolhouse #3 will be open for tours on June 01 and our newest exhibit “Toys of Yore” will be available for viewing.

For more information about the Merrimack Historical Society visit - MerrimackHistory.org