The story of higher education in Fredonia will take center stage as two leading local historians present the "History of Higher Education in Fredonia: Past, Present, Future." The free program is scheduled for Saturday from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Fredonia Opera House and will be presented by Amanda Shepp, Coordinator of Special Collections and Archives at SUNY Fredonia's Reed Library and Max Walters, Curator of the Darwin R. Barker Historical Museum.
Shepp and Walters will guide attendees through two centuries of education transformation in Fredonia. Drawing from rare archival materials, Walters will trace the origins of Fredonia Academy and the Normal School (pictured), including the tragic fire that reshaped its future. Shepp will highlight the school's reconstruction and evolution into today's university, sharing historic photographs and video throughout the presentation.
Immediately following the presentation, the Barker Historical Museum at 7 Day Street will host a public reception and open a new exhibit featuring rare artifacts from the Fredonia Academy and the early Normal School. The exhibit will remain on view for six months.
The event coincides with the 200th anniversary of Fredonia Academy's opening in 1826. Over the years, the institution evolved into the Fredonia Normal School, Fredonia State Teachers College, and today's SUNY Fredonia, continuing a proud tradition of educational excellence.
