Bethel School Open House

Bethel School, a historic one-room school located on Bethel School Road in Honesdale, will be open to the public for its 26th season of Open Houses this summer. Despite the substantial changes in the valley and landscape below since its construction over 150 years ago, Bethel School still proudly stands and invites visitors to experience a combination of nostalgic past and present-day activities. As always, these Open Houses are FREE and run by our valued volunteers. Donations are greatly appreciated.

The first Open House of the summer season will take place on Sunday, June 9, 2024, and feature Kelly Obermiller and her therapy dog. Kelly is a retired Wallenpaupack English/History teacher who now visits primary classrooms with her dog to encourage reading. This presentation is sure to delight children and provide an afternoon of fun.

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, Justin Hayden, an Art teacher in the Western Wayne School District and a WCHS trustee, will present a program about the two-room Maplewood School that closed in 1949. Justin's ancestors attended and taught at this landmark school, and his dream is to preserve its history for future generations.

The Open House on Sunday, August 11, 2024, will be a study of maps. Old maps are vastly different from today's maps that rely on technology, and they hold a key to history. Visitors can follow the path of the D&H Canal as it wound its way from Honesdale to Roundout, New York, and discover other clues to the past.

In addition to these Open House programs, Bethel School will also be open on June 23 and August 25, 2024, for "Drop in and Chat" time from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. All programs are free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. Visitors can contact WCHS (570-253-3240) or email Dorothy (dotk@ptd.net) to schedule visits at other times. The Wayne County Historical Society would also love to hear from anyone who attended Bethel School as a student.

Bethel School looks forward to seeing grandparents, parents, and especially children this summer for an unforgettable experience in a historic one-room school.