An exhibit documenting the history of education in New Paltz is on display at the Sojourner Truth Library on the campus of SUNY New Paltz. The exhibit is called Education in a Valley Fair and is a collaborative effort of three New Paltz institutions: Historic Huguenot Street, Sojourner Truth Library at SUNY New Paltz and Haviland-Heidgerd Historic Collection/Elting Memorial Library. All three organizations provided materials from their collections to create this wonderful exhibit.

The exhibit contains items documenting the education of New Paltz’s early settlers, the Huguenots, including 18^th and 19^th century ciphering books, absentee notes and images of one-room school houses. The absentee notes are really fun to read – you can see an image of one below. Also on display are photographs and documents about the New Paltz Academy and the New Paltz Normal School.

The exhibit will only be on display through the end of October. For library hours and directions, visit the Sojourner Truth Library Web site.  

An accompanying online exhibit is accessible via HRVH. This online exhibit and collection will not disappear at the end of October! It will continue to grow as the three organizations upload more items over the coming weeks and months. Check out the timeline for an informative overview of the evolution of education in New Paltz.

Kudos to all those involved in creating this exciting, fun, and informative exhibit!

Here are some pics:

Education Exhibit Display Cases

Display of Absentee Notes

Here is one note telling Mr. Terwilliger that Forest could not come to school because he was needed at home to help press hay.

Absentee Note for Forest

If you have a chance in the next two weeks to visit the exhibit at SUNY New Paltz, you should go: you won’t be disappointed!