Wlaf1450SPEEDWELL, TN (WLAF) – The Historic Speedwell Academy is hosting a Holiday Open House this weekend from 1 to 5 p.m.
Come enjoy some hot cider or hot chocolate and local history at the academy, which was built in 1827. The holiday open house is Dec. 11 and 12 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The academy was founded by George Shutter, a German immigrant from Pennsylvania. Originally an all-male school, it went co-ed around the turn of the century, and both boys and girls attended. It was at this time it became known as the Speedwell Academy. During the Civil War, the academy was the headquarters for General Felix K. Zollicoffer. During later Civil War years, it was used as a hospital. The upstairs of the building functioned as a church for many years as well.
The county managed the school from early 1900 until 1970 when many of the small rural schools were closed. It is currently maintained by a board of trustees that have formed a nonprofit corporation called Speedwell Academy Incorporated. Its sole purpose is the “restoration and preservation of the building.”
According to the history of the academy, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 for its “significance to the social and educational history of Claiborne County.” It is also on the Tennessee Heritage Trail.
The building is open for tours, exhibits and educational programs. Parties and receptions can be booked at no charge, but free will donations to help with the upkeep of the building are welcome.
For more information regarding reserving the Speedwell Academy, call 423-912-2325. The academy is located at 220 Academy Road, Speedwell. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/11/2021-6AM)