See Classic Photos from This Abandoned Upstate NY School Before Renovation

The Nelliston School in Fort Plain has been largely dormant since 1974.

It opened soon after the Civil War, and provided education for kids of Upstate New York for roughly a century, before being shut down just before the nation's bicentennial. Since that time, it hasn't had a consistent tenant, but has continued to be owned and cared for by village of Nelliston.

Nearly 50 years after the school closed its doors, the building will be re-opened for a new generation of children and students.

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Historic Nelliston School Re-Opening as Childcare Center in Upstate NY

As reported by WNYT Channel 13 in Albany, The Nelliston School building in Montgomery County, NY is set to re-open as the New Beginnings Academy, a childcare center for for kids six weeks to 12 years old, in the near future.

In order to accomplish this goal, an estimated $2.1 million in renovations will need to be completed. The source claims that some of the money will come from grants, and a portion will also be contributed from the county.

The goal of this renovation and re-opening is simple: provide Montgomery County families with a much-needed childcare option, that also provides a safe and productive environment for their kids. There aren't many daycare options around Fort Plain, so there are plenty of families who would welcome a new facility in the area.

The benefits are two-fold, as The Nelliston School gets a much-needed facelift, and a building with centuries of history gets another lease at life. The same walls that housed area students in the 19th century, will welcome a new generation of kids.

This is a really cool thing for those who have lived in the area for multiple generations, and I'm excited to see what the finished product has to offer!