Diamond Rock Schoolhouse is Open to Visitors Sunday, August 12th!

The Diamond Rock Schoolhouse

Will Be Open Sunday August 12, 2018 2-4pm

Diamond Rock Schoolhouse, otherwise known as the octagonal school house, is truly one of Tredyffrin Township's historical gems! Whether you are new to our community, or have lived here for a long while, treat yourself and venture out to this corner of Tredyffrin Township Sunday August 12th, 2:00-4:00 p.m. The beautifully restored Diamond Rock Schoolhouse is an historic building, built in 1818. A visit to the schoolhouse, whose very building and the treasures displayed within open a window into Tredyffrin Township's storied past, reveals a way of life fifty years before the first public schools!

We are excited to share the news that the Wharton Esherick Museum is now in partnership with the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse. Small group tours can be arranged. For more information please go to our website: http://www.diamondrockschool.org/id2.html. You may also call (610) 296-0832 or email info@diamondrockschool.org.

There is so much to do on your way to the schoolhouse!

Start Where History Started:

Valley Forge National Park: The Diamond Rock Schoolhouse is just three miles west of Valley Forge National Park. Start at the Visitor Center Park (nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm) to visit the park museum and to start your tour of the park. Or, park in the small lot near the Philander Chase Knox Estate (on the west side of the covered bridge), then take a hike up Mt. Misery or walk along Valley Creek. Though not open to the public, you can wander the grounds of Lord Stirling's and General Lafayette’s Quarters. You can also walk behind PC Knox Estate to find yourself on the east side of the bridge where you can easily access the trail to Mt. Joy or start on the 5-mile loop, visiting the inner and outer line defenses, redoubts and replica cabins along the way. When you finish at Valley Forge National Park, continue your historical tour by heading west on Yellow Springs Road to visit the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse, which will be open 2-4pm.

Lunch at the Historic Cedar Hollow Inn:

Cedar Hollow Inn, two miles west of the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse, serves up one of the best brunches/lunches you'll find. Cedar Hollow Inn is a city quality restaurant tucked away in our lovely little corner of Tredyffrin Township. Cedar Hollow Inn's beautiful rustic building was first constructed in the mid-1800s. It’s sunny porch, a creative menu and friendly staff together create a cozy, neighborhood feel. A wonderful lunch at Cedar Hollow Inn followed by a visit to the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse, are a perfect combination for locals and guests alike!

Make a Day of It!

The Wharton Esherick Museum, just a mile up the road from the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse, is a must see! The studio and furnishings of the craftsman-artist Wharton Esherick (1887–1970), reflect Esherick's evolving sculptural style from Arts and Crafts, to German Expressionism, and the free form Modernist curves that marked Esherick's later work. Tours are by reservation only, so plan it for a Sunday afternoon to the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse. For more information go to: http://www.whartonesherickmuseum.org/visit.html.

Take a Walk:

Tredyffrin Township's amazing trails and open spaces gives us a lot to boast about! The Diamond Rock Preserve and the Valley Creek Preserve are both close to the Diamond Rock Schoolhouse. Bring your binoculars and bring your camera! http://openlandconservancy.org/Trail_Maps.html

Who Doesn't Love an Old Cemetary?

We have so many beautiful, historical cemeteries in Tredyffrin Township; some tucked away, others that we drive past every day. A particularly beautiful one, rich in our township's history, is that of St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley, off Church Road. What would become the Church of St. Peter's was started in 1704. St. Peter's is surrounded by beautiful, lush property and is the final resting place for so many of those who helped guide Tredyffrin Township as it grew from a place of wilderness into the wonderful community that it is today. Start your Sunday with a brunch at Cedar Hollow Inn, then take the short drive to St. Peter's Church to wander around the grounds.

Parking for Diamond Rock Schoolhouse visitors is available along Yellow Springs Road, including the underpass just beyond Diamond Rock Road.