New Fairfield’s 250th Celebration

By Sarah Opdahl

The Little Red Schoolhouse at 19 Brush Hill Road held an Open House on Sunday, June 14, which was part of a series of events planned to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. On this warm, sunny day, New Fairfield Historical Society members were on hand to talk about the schoolhouse and the town’s history. They were also happy to guide visiting children through July 4th-themed crafts.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is deemed a Living History Museum and was originally called the West Centre School, one of seven one-roomed educational institutions in New Fairfield in the 1800s. The other six were Great Meadow School, located in an area now covered by Candlewood Lake; Great Hollow School on Route 39 near Sherman; Centreville School at Route 37 and Pine Hill; Ball Pond School on Route 39; East Centre School on Saw Mill Road; and Wood Creek School, near Brookfield. Though a couple of the schools exist as part of private homes, a few were demolished. The Little Red Schoolhouse serves to typify all of the spaces.

Jon Coniglio, a Historical Society member who volunteers to lovingly care for The Little Red Schoolhouse, was eager to point out details in the building. Remarkably knowledgeable about the schoolhouse, he is also conducting sought-after talks about the area’s history, especially regarding George Washington’s time here. Coniglio was glad to pass along garlic scapes to anyone with a hankering—he originally planted the garlic with schoolchildren who were on a field trip in the fall.  Treat yourself to a visit to the schoolhouse the next time it’s open—July 12, August 9, September 13, and October 11, 2026.