1889 Territorial Schoolhouse
Edmond's first schoolhouse, built in 1889, offering a preserved glimpse into territorial education and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Only open days
1889 Territorial Schoolhouse
Best Time
Only open days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edmond's first schoolhouse, built in 1889, offering a preserved glimpse into territorial education and history.
"A delightful and educational stop, a great piece of history right in the middle of Edmond!"
🎯 Check Opening Days
Only open first 2 Saturdays of the month! Plan ahead.
🚶♀️ Peek Through Windows
Can't make it on an open day? View the interior through the windows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Blackboards
Interior Walls
See the unique blackboards made from burnt sweet potatoes and milk, now protected behind plexiglass.
School Bell Rope
Classroom
Ring the original school bell rope and imagine the sounds of a bygone era.
Period Desks & Decor
Classroom
Step back in time with authentic desks and decor that recreate a 19th-century classroom.
Bronze School Children Sculptures
Exterior
Admire the charming bronze sculptures of school children outside the historic building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Limited Visiting Hours
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Days
Only open first 2 Saturdays of the month! Plan ahead.
🚶♀️ Peek Through Windows
Can't make it on an open day? View the interior through the windows.
🔔 Ring the Bell!
Don't miss the chance to ring the original school bell.
♿ Accessible Entrance
East side entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Days
Only open first 2 Saturdays of the month! Plan ahead.
🚶♀️ Peek Through Windows
Can't make it on an open day? View the interior through the windows.
🔔 Ring the Bell!
Don't miss the chance to ring the original school bell.
♿ Accessible Entrance
East side entrance is wheelchair accessible.
📚 Learn from Docents
Engaging and knowledgeable docents share great historical facts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse as a charming and educational hidden gem, highlighting the knowledgeable and engaging docents who bring history to life. The preserved original features, like the unique blackboards and school bell, offer a tangible connection to the past. While the limited opening hours and external restrooms are noted drawbacks, the free admission and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in local history.
"This was Edmond's first school house constructed in 1889 shortly after the Land Rush. It is also believed to be the oldest standing building in Oklahoma County. Historically, it seems the building became a private residence around 1900 and then a camera shop in the 1950s.
Restored by the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust in recent decades, what you see today is a nicely restored single room school house with period desks and decor. Opening hours are Saturday 1-4pm if you want to visit the inside of the old territorial school. Otherwise, a quick stop to view from the outside along with a couple of bronze sculptures of school children will do. You can walk around the sides and peek through the windows if you want to see what it looks like inside."
Brad
"Fun and free little historical school building that is open to walk-in's on the first two Saturdays of every month. As soon as we walked in we were pleasantly greeted by two ladies who were very informative and eggar to educate us with all the helpful and neat facts that they knew about the school house. They even knew which decorative pieces were accurate to the time period but were not original to the school house. Interestingly this building is not a national registered historical site due to the building having been moved 50 feet from its original spot.
The building is well air conditioned and has two entrances. ♿️ The wheelchair accessible entrance is located on the east side of the building facing the tire and lube shop, while the front entrance which faces 2nd street has a couple steps to climb.
We both really appreciated that the renovation maintained the integrity of the original chalkboards or Blackboards that were painted onto the interior walls of the classroom. These Blackboards were merely a mixture of burnt sweet potatoes and milk painted in a rectangle on the wall but are currently protected behind a plexiglass framed barrier. Although the current roof is modern, a small section of the original roof with wood shingles is mounted on the wall in the back corner of the school house. They even have the original school bell rope and you can even ring the bell for yourself. The Edmond Historical Museum and the School House often collaborate on community events and even offer a pioneer day for kids to experience what school life was like when the school was in use.
There are bathrooms present but they are located outside the school house, similar to how it was when the school was operational. Unfortunately they seem to remain locked unless groups are visiting or when events are occurring. In front of the restrooms are multiple picnic tables that were built by a local Eagle Scout troop and even contain small plaques commemorating who built which table. Lastly there seems to only be two parking spots available for visitors, located directly behind the school house and one is handicap parking. The surrounding area does offer additional parking options."
Levi
"Hidden gem! If you would like to see this cute schoolhouse and learn from the docents on hand, be sure to mark your schedule. It’s only open on Saturdays and maybe not even every Saturday of the month. It was a delightful and educational stop."
Ashleigh Diacogiannis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse is located in Edmond, Oklahoma. It's a small, historic building easily accessible by car. Parking is limited to two spots directly behind the schoolhouse, with one being handicap accessible. Additional parking is available in the surrounding area.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse. There is no public transportation directly serving the site, but it's centrally located within Edmond, making it easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required. The 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse is free to visit. However, it has very limited opening hours, only being open to the public on the first two Saturdays of each month.
The schoolhouse is open to the public on the first two Saturdays of every month, typically from 1 PM to 4 PM. It's crucial to verify these hours before your visit as they can sometimes vary.
No, the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse is not always open. It is only accessible to the public on the first two Saturdays of each month. If you miss these dates, you can still view the exterior and peek through the windows.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a single-room schoolhouse restored with period desks, decor, and original chalkboards painted on the walls. You can also see a section of the original roof and ring the school bell. Knowledgeable docents are often on hand to share historical insights.
Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible entrance located on the east side of the building. The main entrance on 2nd Street has steps.
Restrooms are located outside the schoolhouse. They may be locked unless groups are visiting or events are occurring.
While not explicitly stated, visitors generally take photos inside. The interior is small, and the focus is on historical preservation. Be respectful of the space and other visitors.
This building is Edmond's first schoolhouse, constructed in 1889 shortly after the Land Rush, and is believed to be the oldest standing building in Oklahoma County. It was later a private residence and a camera shop before restoration.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with the charming bronze school children sculptures offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the preserved blackboards and period desks provide a nostalgic backdrop. Remember to be mindful of the limited space and other visitors.
Yes, you can generally take pictures of the historical artifacts inside the schoolhouse, such as the desks, blackboards, and bell rope. The docents are usually happy to share information about these items.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the restrooms are external and may be locked, and parking is limited, the overall experience is positive. It's a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about pioneer life and history in a hands-on, albeit brief, setting. Consider it a quick, enriching stop that can spark curiosity about the past.
📚 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
The knowledgeable docents are a significant draw, providing detailed insights and stories that bring the history to life. Its status as a former schoolhouse, residence, and shop adds layers to its historical narrative. While its limited open days require planning, the reward is an authentic encounter with a bygone era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Early Oklahoma Education
Inside, the preservation efforts are evident. The original chalkboards, painted directly onto the interior walls with a mixture of burnt sweet potatoes and milk, are a unique historical feature, now protected by plexiglass. Visitors can also see a small section of the original wood-shingled roof mounted on the wall, a testament to the building's enduring history. The presence of period desks and decor further enhances the immersive experience, transporting visitors back to a time when education was a fundamental pillar of community growth.
The schoolhouse also features the original school bell rope, inviting visitors to ring it and imagine the calls to class that once echoed through the area. While the building itself is a treasure, the docents who staff the schoolhouse on its limited open days are invaluable. They are often described as engaging and highly knowledgeable, eager to share fascinating facts about the schoolhouse, Edmond's history, and Oklahoma's territorial era, making the visit both educational and memorable.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Access, and Amenities
Accessibility is a consideration for visitors. The schoolhouse is air-conditioned, offering a comfortable experience during warmer months. However, the restrooms are located outside and may not always be accessible, often remaining locked unless for specific group visits or events. For those with mobility challenges, an accessible entrance is available on the east side of the building, facing a nearby tire and lube shop. The main entrance on 2nd Street, however, has steps. Parking is also limited, with only two spots available directly behind the schoolhouse, one of which is designated for handicap parking.
Despite these logistical points, the experience is widely regarded as worthwhile. The free admission and the opportunity to learn from passionate docents make it a hidden gem for history enthusiasts. The restoration has maintained the integrity of the original features, such as the unique chalkboards and the school bell, offering a genuine glimpse into territorial life.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit