Swampscott exhibit showcases historical school artifacts

SWAMPSCOTT — The Historical Commission held its seventh exhibition at ReachArts, showcasing artifacts in celebration of Swampscott schools.

The commission wanted to reflect on the town’s educational past as Swampscott prepares to welcome a new elementary school, said Chair Nancy Schultz.

Collected over two years, the artifacts were arranged at ReachArts to resemble a schoolroom, complete with historically accurate mint green walls, a color reminiscent of classrooms in the 1950s and 1960s.

The exhibition featured artifacts from local schools such as Hadley and Stanley, which were salvaged prior to their demolitions, as well as items donated by community members.

Among the highlights was a 1929 tri-use coat, umbrella, and hat rack from the Stanley School’s cloakroom, which Vice Chair Jonathan Leamon said was one of his favorites. Schultz noted her fondness for a telephone booth from the Stanley School, circa 1959.

“We really appreciate the interest that this exhibition is generating,” Schultz said to attendees during a speech alongside Leamon, who shared some historical facts about education in the town, including how Swampscott’s first school, in 1814, was purchased from Marblehead and moved into town by oxen. “We’ve come a long way since then, with wonderful schools to complement the wonderful teaching that happens in Swampscott,” Leamon said.

In his remarks, Leamon thanked several community members — Max Kasper, Gino Cresta Jr., Jackson Schultz, Marzie Galazka, Kasey Williams, Ethan Runstadler, Mary Shapiro, and Brendan Bradley — as well as those who donated artifacts, for their help in bringing the exhibition to life.

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