Thetford Academy opened in February 1819, and was chartered by the State of Vermont on October 29, 1819. The constitution of Vermont called for free elementary schools in each town, a school in each county for studies above the elementary level, and one university for the state.
By the time Thetford Academy was founded, girls were being admitted to some academies (usually in the summer term) for studies which were advanced beyond the common schools, but which were not intended to prepare for college. Thetford Academy admitted both boys and girls from its founding.
1761
The Town of Thetford is chartered.
The town was created on August 12, 1761, by way of a royal charter which King George III of Great Britain issued to Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire.
1791
Vermont becomes the 14th member of the United States.
Congress acted on February 18, 1791, to admit Vermont to the Union as the 14th state as of March 4, 1791.
1818
Judge Simeon Short gets an idea.
While riding back to Thetford after making a contribution to Kimball Union Academy, Judge Short decides that the Town of Thetford should not send its children out of town for an education. He teams up with Thetford’s Rev. Asa Burton to lead the effort to build a school. The original classroom building is erected with a donation of land, labor, and money, and completed within six months of Judge Short’s ride.
1819
Thetford Academy opens its doors as one of the first coeducational town academies in the US.
Built in the center of the village of Thetford, Thetford Academy was founded in February of 1819. The State of Vermont chartered the Academy October 29, 1819.
1845
Burton Hall, the first addition to Thetford Academy's campus, is built.
The Trustees voted to erect a building, for an amount not to exceed $700, for a boys’ dormitory. Land was secured just North of the original Academy building. “Burton Hall” was built and named after Rev. Asa Burton. By 1857, the house had fallen into disrepair and was sold. The new owner moved it across the street and used it as a private residence. Eventually, Burton Hall was purchased by Dwight Goddard, who gifted it back to the Academy. The building is now known as Goddard Hall.
1851
Slafter Hall, the second addition to Thetford Academy's campus, is built. Mrs. Burton Hall is built as a girls dormitory.
The house, now known as Slafter Hall, was built as housing for the Headmaster, Hiram Orcutt. He also boarded teachers and a few students there. At the same time, Trustee John Lougee built a dormitory for girls, named Mrs. Burton Hall. After Lougee lost the house in 1864, Thetford Academy purchased it with a contribution from Mrs. Bartholomew, the widow of one of the Academy’s founders. The dorm was renamed Bartholomew Hall.
1852
First known formal graduation of girls at Thetford Academy.
1893
The first Alumni Association, the Association of the Pupils of Thetford Academy, is formed.
1906
Vermont passes a law requiring towns to educate all children through grade twelve.
Towns had the choice of building a public high school or paying tuition elsewhere. Thetford Academy was chosen to serve as the high school for Thetford and several area towns.
1919
Thetford Academy hosts a Centennial Celebration.
A quote from then-principal William Slade about the celebration reads, “The Academy Ideal has proved its worth by a century of success in spite of a thousand obstacles and difficulties. It must and shall be preserved.”
1942
Thetford Academy's original campus is destroyed by fire.
Thetford Academy classroom building, the girls’ dormitory, and the Latham Library burned to the ground. Classes are held in the Grange until 1949.
1944
Thetford Academy celebrates its first Founders' Day.
1946
The Porter Adams estate is deeded to the Academy.
Sue Shorter Adams, widow of Porter Adams, donated their Vermont estate on Thetford Hill to the Academy. The 138 acres became the proposed site of the new Thetford Academy campus.
1949
The doors to the White Building are opened for the 95 enrolled students on September 7, 1949.
Vermont Governor Gibson spoke at the dedication and said “It gives you faith in people and in your State when you come to Thetford and see such a modern school erected without state aid or prodding from the state.” Student efforts were significant in saving money. The student body helped set the water line and prepare cement for the first floor.
1951
Abbie Bond leaves $30,000 to Thetford Academy. Trustees earmark the money for a new gym and auditorium.
Abbie Bond, the school’s oldest alumna, dies at 104, leaving a bequest of $30,000 to TA. Trustees designate the gift toward a new gym and auditorium and to reducing the mortgage on the White Building.
1954-1955
Anderson Hall is built.
The TA Times writes “may it never again be said that another school will refuse to play us on our home court because our facilities are inadequate.”
1955
With the advent of busing, Thetford Academy stops boarding students.
1958-1959
The Daniels Agricultural-Science Building is built.
Financed with donations and a $10,000 gift from Harold Daniels. TA enrollment climbs to 146.
1969
Thetford Academy celebrates 150 years.
Thetford Academy’s enrollment reaches a record high of 300.
1971
Peacham and McIndoe Academies close, making Thetford Academy the oldest Academy in Vermont.
Enrollment continues to climb up to 321. Vocational education becomes available at Oxbow.
1978
Thetford Academy opens a new Arts Building.
The new building housed the Homemaking Department, a soundproof music room, an art room, reading room, audio-visual room, large industrial arts room, typing and business education room and a dark room.
1991
Thetford Academy hosts its first Woods Trail Run.
The Woods Trail Run is held on the first Saturday of October every year. The competition is a destination mid-season event for teams from throughout New England and the Northeast. The daylong event typically brings 1500-2000 runners to the TA campus.
1996
The White Building is renovated.
TA ennrollment is 330.
2010
Expansion and renovations.
New Vaughan Alumni Gymnasium is built. Daniels Science Building and Anderson Hall are renovated. The Martha Jane Rich Theater and new student café were built inside Anderson Hall.
2015
Thetford Academy purchases the 10 acres to the south of campus, known colloquially as the Barrett Property.
