JULY 8, BASKING RIDGE, NJ —Commodore Robert F. Stockton, who was instrumental in bringing California into the Union in 1848, was expelled from the Brick Academy as a boy for “mischievous activity,” some say brawling. This was one of many stories shared with a group of 12 Bernardsville High School teachers who took time out of their summer vacations to learn about our rich local history at the Brick Academy in Basking Ridge.

Leaders from The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (THSSH) hosted the group, which represented a variety of disciplines, not only history and social studies. The teachers learned about the history of THSSH and the Brick Academy, built in 1809 by Rev. Robert Finley to house a classical school for boys of prominent, wealthy families. The boys often went on to attend the College of New Jersey, now Princeton, and to leadership roles on the local and national stage. Many of the teachers said they have often driven by the Brick Academy but never knew much about it.

THSSH volunteer Judy Quigley and Trustee Tracy Redling introduced the teachers to the replica of a late 1800’s classroom on the third floor of the building. The teachers could see how strict the rules were and how different the school experience was back then.

THSSH Chairman Susan Zibelli gave the teachers a tour of the Research and Archives Department on the lower level of the building. She and Trustee Cynthia Crosson explained that this is where THSSH Trustee Roy Crego often works with students who want to earn community service or other credits. They can, for example, help with digitizing collections, taking photos, making videos and other activities.

Zibelli showed a student-created video of a recent special exhibit about Kate Macy Ladd and Natirar at the Brick Academy. The video was created by Eagle Scout John Reynolds, who also put it on YouTube, where it is accessible to a wide audience. Zibelli noted that another student is planning to create a video of the current special exhibit at the Brick Academy. It is called “History Happened Here: America 250 in the Somerset Hills.” Crosson gave a presentation about the exhibit highlighting the pivotal
role played by the Somerset Hills in the Revolutionary War.

“I would love for my AP US History students to get to benefit from the same learning experience that I was fortunate enough to enjoy yesterday!”, said Dan Kaplan, a Social Studies teacher.