Newtown Historical Society invites the public to step back into the 19th century during its annual Little Red Schoolhouse event on Sunday, September 14, from noon to 3 pm.

This special program takes the place of the Society’s monthly open house at the Curtiss House Museum and instead welcomes visitors to one of Newtown’s most beloved landmarks.

The Little Red Schoolhouse, located at Middle Gate School, was built around 1850 and remains one of Newtown’s most well-preserved one-room schoolhouses. Restored and maintained by the Historical Society, the building provides a rare opportunity to experience the look and feel of a 19th-century classroom.

During the event, Melissa Houston — affectionately known as “Miss Melissa” — will recreate traditional lessons for children. Students will sit on wooden benches, practice writing on slate boards, and learn the value of primers, just as children did more than 150 years ago.

Miss Melissa will also share the story of the schoolhouse, complete with historic photographs and anecdotes.

Following the lessons, children can enjoy outdoor games that were favorites of the period, including graces, sack races, hoop racing, and ring toss. Junior docents and volunteers from the Historical Society will help lead these activities, giving families a lively glimpse of schoolyard fun in 19th-century Newtown.

Houston is a longtime member of Newtown Historical Society, having served as both trustee and president. A Newtown resident, she is currently director of education and interpretation at Greenwich Historical Society, with prior experience at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center and The Barnum Museum. Her career has been dedicated to creating educational programs that promote the preservation of local history for the public.

The event is open to the public, free of charge, and family-friendly. Guests are welcome to drop in at any time during the three-hour program to explore the schoolhouse, sip on apple cider, and enjoy a first-hand experience of Newtown’s past. Donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information, please visit newtownhistory.org.