Programs & Events
The McIndoe Falls Academy was built in 1853 and provided one of the earliest offerings of secondary education in the region. The Academy building was built during a time of relative prosperity in the Upper Connecticut River Valley. The Academy faithfully served its purpose for 113 years, until 1969, when it was forced to close by the Vermont State Department of Education. In the 1970s, the north side of the first floor was converted into a public library that remains in service today. The McIndoe Falls Academy Trustees are honored and excited to transition the beautiful historic building into a vibrant community center to serve the public for years to come.
Appreciation of History
Community members attending the visioning session extensively discussed the need for the McIndoes Academy Community Center facility to develop and deliver rich programming to expand community members’ understanding and appreciation of the local people, places, and events that came before us. Participants mentioned programming topics such as the history of the dams, trading routes, wildlife, log drives as economic drivers of the past. Specific opportunities to appreciate and celebrate history included rotating living history displays, historical society event collaboration, antique car shows, and a genealogy reading room. Due to space limitations, permanent storage of historical artifacts is not a likely option, but instead featured historical exhibits that change periodically may be a more viable approach for planned historical exhibits.
Appreciation of Arts & Education
Programming that engages community members and, at the same time, enriches their lives is at the heart of the McIndoes Academy Community Center. To not only see, but to feel and experience the world around us fosters a true love of learning and appreciation of beauty. Example programs being explored with an educational and art focus include workshops on cooking, painting, computer knowledge, learning about other cultures, gardening, STEAM classes, and after-school activities.
Area groups are now requesting to use the Academy as a meeting place. Flexible space configurations that can accommodate intergenerational activities and gatherings will optimize the facility to meet community needs.
Appreciation of Our Community
Now, more than ever, we all need a sense of togetherness with community spaces and events that bring us together. The McIndoes Academy Community Center, centrally located in the village center of McIndoes Falls, provides a gathering space where community members can enjoy gatherings on the front lawn, trails in Pearl Meadow just over the bridge next to the Connecticut River, and indoor activities at the historic Academy building. Large or small gatherings, the Academy campus provides a gorgeous Vermont setting to enrich the lives of all who visit.
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