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.

The Nelliston School in 1958 (Facebook / Steve Oare)
The Nelliston School in 1958 (Facebook / Steve Oare)
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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.

A classroom of students at the Nelliston School in 1949 (Facebook / John C. Edwards)
A classroom of students at the Nelliston School in 1949 (Facebook / John C. Edwards)
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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.

How Nelliston School looks in present-day (Facebook / Montgomery County-NY)
How Nelliston School looks in present-day (Facebook / Montgomery County-NY)
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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!

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