Two Words: Octagonal Schoolhouse

Have you ever seen an octagonal schoolhouse from the early 1800's? Or how about a prison from the 1800's that is now an art museum? If you love history, art and interesting architecture, I know just where to recommend to go visit.

Wrightstown Octagonal Schoolhouse (Eight Square School)

Address:

Intersection of Second Street Pike and Swamp Road
Wrightstown PA, 18940

Hours:

Open every third Sunday of the month: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Octagonal Schoolhouse

The Octagonal Schoolhouse, also known as Eight Square School, is located in Wrightstown, Bucks County and was built in 1802.  It was a school from 1802-1850. The original settlers in Wrightstown were Quakers. They highly valued education, so sending children off to school everyday was very important to them.

In 1802, residents came together to lease land, which is now the Octagonal Schoolhouse, to build a school.  You may be wondering why they built the schoolhouse in such an out of the ordinary shape. The eight sides to the small school provided the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Back then, artificial light did not work as effectively as it does today.  To solve the light problem, they turned to geometry, and they realized that eight sides would provide the correct amount of sunlight.

We all remember our younger days of going to school and daydreaming out the window. Well, the Quakers outsmarted the children.  The windows were built higher up than the standard height. This way, they gained more sunlight, and the children were less distracted during the day.

The small school was also ideal for winter time. A stove in the center of the symmetrical room kept the entire schoolhouse evenly heated.

Other octagonal schools were located throughout the Bucks County region during the 1700's and 1800's. However, the Wrightstown Octagonal Schoolhouse is the last one standing in the area.

Once the school stopped being used as a schoolhouse in 1850, the building served as the toll keeper's headquarters.  Today, it is being used as a way to go back in time and experience what it would have been like going to school in the 1800's, which is something you don't experience every day.

Michener Art Museum

Address:

138 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Michener Art Museum

The Michener Art Museum  of Doylestown, PA once served as the Bucks County Prison for 100 years starting in 1884.  In 1988, the closed prison reopened as the James A. Michener Art Museum after extensive renovation.

Today, the museum has over 35,000 square feet of space and is home to many unique exhibits throughout the year.

Side note: Did anyone else go see the Grace Kelly Exhibit at the Michener Art Museum? The exhibit showcased many of her signature looks and gave an in-depth look into her short life.

Also, make sure to check out the current and upcoming exhibits, permanent exhibits and online exhibits.  The links are a great way to experience some of the artwork before you visit.

So, what are some upcoming events that you might be interested in at the museum? The Michener is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary, and they want you to celebrate along with them. Come see the top 25 art pieces at the museum, which were voted by the public.  

On your way out, stop at the museum shop to take home some memorabilia of your visit.

If you are feeling a little parched and a tad bit hungry, stop at the James Cafe at the Michener to satisfy your cravings.

If you live in the area and are interested in signing up for an art class, a summer camp session or even to see what the upcoming events are at the Michener Art, check the calendar of events.