Vintage Classroom

The Mount Desert Island Historical Society has offered Vintage Classroom at the Sound Schoolhouse for over 20 years and is free to Mount Desert Island area third-graders and teachers. Participants are transported back to what life would have been like in a one-room schoolhouse in 1892 by experiencing first-hand a school day as children from the Mount Desert village of Sound would have.

We aim to inspire curiosity about the history and stories of the people living on the island 130 years ago while also leaving space to develop perspective on how social and cultural practices may have changed or stayed the same over time.

Life was different then— schoolchildren followed strict rules, and teachers were firm and often used tough punishments to ensure students followed the rules. Boys and girls were usually separated and often taught different lessons that would help guide them to their specific gender roles in life; women as homemakers, mothers, household managers, and men as laborers, farmers, or small business owners. This immersive experience allows children emotional and intellectual insight into the past while encouraging consideration into how our education system has changed, and why. 

We partner with Wendy Littlefield as our schoolmarm, Mrs. Haynes, and artists from Barn Arts as teachers, fishermen, and quarrymen. The program combines history with learning, music, fun, and games to create an immersive experience for participants. 2024 Vintage Classroom is made possible by a gift from Machias Savings Bank and private donations from our membership.

Vintage Classroom on the News!

Vintage Classroom was featured on WABI Local news on April 30, 2024. View the news segment here

Carrie Jones of Bar Harbor Story spent the day with us in April 2024. Read her story here

For more information on scheduling a Vintage Classroom program for your class, please email info@mdihistory.org