Rockville HS History Exhibit In Full Swing And Features Sunday Treat

VERNON, CT —An exhibit at the Vernon Historical Society celebrating 150 years of Rockville High School is in full swing and also features a special treat Sunday.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., the historical society's Jean Luddy is scheduled to present an illustrated lecture on the high school, discussing the growth of secondary education in Rockville and Vernon.

Luddy says, "As the economy evolved during the Industrial Revolution and into the Information Age, town residents recognized that a high school with a well-equipped building and diverse curriculum was necessary to prepare students for their future."

The lecture will include photographs and stories of students over the years.

"While certain events of high school life are unique to each class of students, there is a timeless aspect to the experience of high school that resonates with all students past and present,"she said.

Luddy’s program will begin after a very short business meeting at 2:00 pm at the Vernon Historical Society on 734 Hartford Turnpike (Rte. 30) in Vernon, Connecticut.

The exhibit includes displays with information about the history of the high school at its four locations.

The first (1870 to 1893) was torn down in the 1930s. It was built in 1848 as the first school for students in Rockville. At one time grammar school and high school students were in the same building. This school stood where the parking lot is now for the central office.

The second (1893 to 1925) now serves as the central office complex for the Vernon public school system):

The third (1925 to 1959) is now Rockville Superior Court.

The current RHS building (shown in 1959) sits atop Loveland Hill in town.

For hours and more information on the exhibit, call the Vernon Historical Society at 860-875-4326 or visit the website at www.vernonhistoricalsoc.org.