AYER's historic schoolhouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
About Us
The Schoolhouse
Celebrating the Reopening
Celebrating the Reopening
Welcome to the home of the Sandy Pond School Association. Constructed in 1869 by the Town of Groton , Sandy Pond Schoolhouse was originally known as Groton's District #11 School. Following Ayer's separation from Groton in February 1871, it became part of the new Ayer school system. Listed on the National Register of Historic, Sandy Pond
Welcome to the home of the Sandy Pond School Association. Constructed in 1869 by the Town of Groton , Sandy Pond Schoolhouse was originally known as Groton's District #11 School. Following Ayer's separation from Groton in February 1871, it became part of the new Ayer school system. Listed on the National Register of Historic, Sandy Pond Schoolhouse is today Ayer's oldest public building, some two years older than Ayer itself.
Entering this little building today is like stepping into a time warp. The teacher’s desk at the front of the room, slate blackboards, rows of wooden student desks, tongue and groove birch flooring, kerosene lamps, plaster walls and ceiling, and the wood stove at the back of the room evoke memories of an earlier era.
Celebrating the Reopening
Celebrating the Reopening
Celebrating the Reopening
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, we gathered to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of Sandy Pond Schoolhouse following completion of restoration work. Joining in the festivities were (from left to right) State Senator James Eldridge, Ayer Select Board Clerk, Jannice Livingston, SPSA President, Irving Rockwood, and State Representative, Dani
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, we gathered to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of Sandy Pond Schoolhouse following completion of restoration work. Joining in the festivities were (from left to right) State Senator James Eldridge, Ayer Select Board Clerk, Jannice Livingston, SPSA President, Irving Rockwood, and State Representative, Danillo Sena.
- For details of the May 18 program, click here.
- To donate to SPSA, click here.
The Association
Celebrating the Reopening
The Association
Following the closing of Sandy Pond School in 1906, it was acquired by the newly formed Sandy Pond School Association. The founding members of SPSA were local residents, most of whom had attended Sandy Pond School. Their goal was to preserve the school in order to make use of it for reunions and other community events. The first Sandy
Following the closing of Sandy Pond School in 1906, it was acquired by the newly formed Sandy Pond School Association. The founding members of SPSA were local residents, most of whom had attended Sandy Pond School. Their goal was to preserve the school in order to make use of it for reunions and other community events. The first Sandy Pond School Annual Reunion took place on June 27, 1908. On December 22, 1908, the Town of Ayer officially conveyed the property to the newly formed Association for the price of $1.00.
Some 115 years later, SPSA continues to maintain and preserve Ayer's historic little schoolhouse. For a lively, thumbnail history of SPDA and the schoolhouse, please see our new video, The Sandy Pond School Story.
Visit the Schoolhouse
The restored schoolhouse is now open on selected Saturdays. Click below for the summer 2024 schedule.