On November 3 at 7:30PM, the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) will present An Uncommon Education: The Allen School, a 40-minute documentary produced by Historic Newton about the educators, students, and legacy of the West Newton English and Classical School, better known as the Allen School (1854-1900). The event is free and open to the public at FUUSN (1326 Washington Street, West Newton).
Founded in 1854 by local Unitarians, educators, and reformers Nathaniel T. Allen and Cyrus Peirce, the Allen School was a remarkable fifty-year experiment in progressive education. From coeducation and racial integration to physical education and learning through play, the school pioneered new ways of teaching and learning in the United States. The Allen School was located on the site where FUUSN now stands.
A panel discussion will follow the film:
- Katy Haywood, Myrtle Baptist Church Community Historian
- Sara Goldberg, Historic Newton Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs
- Lisa Dady, Historic Newton Executive Director
- Joe Hunter, Producer of An Uncommon Education
- Bob Ellertsen, Moderator and FUUSN member
