Bath Historical Society memorializes Bath school history in new exhibit

by Brooke Massaro

The Bath Historical Society is set to present a new exhibit titled, “Bath Schools through the Years” on Memorial Day, May 30. The exhibit will showcase the development and early history of Bath Township schools during the years 1818-1960. The exhibit will also highlight specific former teachers and principals of Bath schools.

Bath Township Museum volunteers initially thought of the idea of educating residents about Bath schools when Bath Elementary School was rebuilt in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibit was pushed back. Patti Graham, the Bath Historical Society secretary said, “We still thought it would be a good idea to do the exhibit because we already had planned and prepared for it.”

The exhibit begins by displaying the origins of Bath Township schools in 1818. It includes mannequins dressed in original clothing, pictures and artifacts original to the schoolhouses. The divergence of Bath and Richfield Schools that occurred in 1960 caps the exhibit.

Graham said the historical society hopes that residents and visitors of the exhibit will learn how the schools in Bath Township have progressed over the years and how far they have come since their humble beginnings.

“We also want visitors to gain appreciation for the teachers,” Graham said, “We hope to pay homage to the teachers and administrators that have made Bath Township schools so great.”

“Bath Schools through the Years” opens on Monday, May 30, and is open from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Bath Township Museum is located at 1241 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. The Stony Hill Schoolhouse, one of many historic schoolhouses, will be open on Sunday, May 29 from 1-3 p.m. It is located at 49 N. Hametown Rd.

The Bath Township Museum is open Mondays 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and the last Saturday of each month 10 a.m.-noon. ∞