Historic Sites

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Macedon Academy

Historic Site #:06-013   (Exists)   Type: C1,C2,D4,E3 Town:Macedon
Site Name:Macedon AcademyGPS Coordinates:43.094609, -77.321145
Address:1185 Rt. 31F, Macedon Center, NY
Description:
The building is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture.

The Macedon Historical Society is busy preparing the building to become a destination hub for history for years to come. During 2020, MHS, implemented "Performances on the Porch" with several concerts and children’s programs delivered on the porch or in the 2nd floor auditorium. It was greatly appreciated for those that supported this program and we hope to continue this in the coming years.

Another series MHS started was "Community Chat". Families where invited to come and share their stories. The first was Dave Taber, a retired teacher from Pal-Mac, who gave the history of Macedon. His power point presentation was very well attended and very informative. We also heard from the Lawrence/Allen Family of Long Acres Farm. Joan did a wonderful presentation of her family and how the farms came to be. We have had discussions on the School districts and had a teacher present his rendition of Teaching at the Macedon School in 1950. Each topic spins off into many directions and cultivates the depth of the history in Macedon.  MHS will continue the "Community Chat" series. It has been well attended.

The Academy has opened up to creative ways to showcasing the building. Line-Dancing in the auditorium was taught this year for several sessions.  The Auditorium is air conditioned for the comfort of our dancers. MHS hopes to continue this program and develop more teaching opportunities in the Building. Refurbishing the Kitchen for cooking/baking classes and the main rooms, quilting classes and crafting classes are being developed. 

The huge flag that flies at the property of the Academy is flown on National Holidays. On June 14th in commemorating Flag Day, the American Legion, Sons of the Legion preform a flag ceremony at the Academy.



Photo of Historic Marker.

History of Macedon Academy, 1841-1891

 
Photo by Gardner, 2018.Photo provided by Macedon Town Historian
 
Historic narrative:
The Academy was a co-ed private institution founded by Quaker men in 1841 as a place of not only intermediate academic education but also for the training in high moral values.  It was a 3 year sequence to be undertaken between local school and college. The original academy was housed in a tavern (whose sale of liquor had recently ceased with the temperence movement of those days) that stood very close to the current structure. The building that now stands on this spot was built in 1853, with 165 students enrolled, and graduated its last class in 1902.

References:

Macedon Academy - New York Historic