The Eight Square Schoolhouse was built in 1827 and was in use until 1941. It is the oldest school building still standing in Tompkins County, and is still used for living history and educational programs. In addition, the building is the only surviving brick octagonal schoolhouse in New York State. The octagonal shape allowed the teacher to be placed at a central and prominent position and allowed for better lighting and ventilation. Today the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can learn more here.
Photographs courtesy of the History Center in Tompkins County.