An Appreciation of Joan Leggett

With the recent passing of former Historical Society trustee, and long-time friend Joan Leggett, the following reflections are offered on her substantial contribution to the formation of the One Room Schoolhouse Program that the Historical Society cultivates annually in partnership with the Canterbury Elementary School:

Everyone in Canterbury knows the brick one room schoolhouse located at Canterbury Center. It is a much loved building, having been built in 1844, serving Canterbury students as the “Center School” until 1956. In 1971 the building was dedicated as the Houser Museum to house the Historical Society’s Archive Collection.

In 2005, Joan Leggett suggested the idea that the Historical Society “should re-invent” the Center School  as a living example of what an education in a one room schoolhouse in Canterbury was like in the early part of the 20^th century. Joan was named to lead the committee and worked tirelessly with the staff at the Canterbury Elementary School as the curriculum was developed. After two years in development and much hard work, Mary Ellen Fifield called the first class to order on November 18^th, 2007. 

Joan attended many meetings of the National Association of One Room Schoolhouses to gather information about what others were doing. It turned out that no one was doing what we in Canterbury were doing and we won a national award as a result. The Schoolhouse was also featured on WMUR-TV’s Chronicle.

It has been 17 years since we held our first class in the One Room Schoolhouse. Every Canterbury student since 2007 has shared in the experience and joy of attending year after year. Joan Leggett could not have left a greater legacy.