This school was located where City View Elementary school stands now. You can still see some of the original stairs to the school grounds on Normal Street.

http://worcester.edu/NewsnMedia/images/PhotoGallery/HG042308/content/01_large.html 4 story gothic structure is now city view elementary school on St. Ann's hill 80 prospect street

http://worcester.edu/About/Shared%20Documents/history.aspx Worcester State College was founded as the Worcester Normal School in 1874, the fifth state funded normal school in Massachusetts and one of dozens of teacher-training schools established during the 19th century. As support for free universal education increased, well-trained teachers were needed to staff the rising number of public schools. Normal schools developed professional norms for teacher training – hence the term “normal school.” Established during an era of growing support for social reform, Worcester Normal School leaders and students embraced a vision of building a better world through the uplifting power of public education. Worcester’s need for skilled teachers rose dramatically during the second half of the 19th century, when the city emerged as an industrial leader. Its population more than tripled between 1866 and 1894, from 30,000 to 100,000 and the school population grew from 6,750 to 17,073 pupils. Worcester Normal School graduates faced the challenges of crowded classrooms and ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. From the beginning, Worcester Normal School was distinguished by its progressive curriculum, established under the leadership of its first principal, E. Harlow Russell (1874 – 1909), and first apprentice supervisor, Rebecca Jones (1874-1912). Proponents of the Child Study Movement, Russell and Jones implemented the innovative practice of placing apprentice teachers in public school classrooms. Initially offering two and three year programs of study, Worcester Normal School’s curriculum evolved to meet the changing demands of the teaching profession. In 1921, the school awarded its first Bachelor of Science in education, under the leadership of its third and last principal, Dr. William B. Aspinwall (1912-1939). Worcester State Teachers College In 1932, all of the state’s normal schools were re-christened “teachers colleges” and the old Normal School became Worcester State Teachers College. That same year, the College moved to its present location on Chandler Street.

I have a class pin from Wor State Normal School. I am not sure of the date as I see none, but I was wondering if there is a museum or place where I could donate this so others may enjoy it. Email me at : nafcamarty@verizon.net Thanks

My Great Grandparents were supposed to have started a normal school in Worcester, Massachusetts either in 1800's or early 1900's. Their last name was Wooley. I can't find any information associated with their name. Can someone direct me to a better way to search for them and the school?

The Worcester State University archives would be happy to receive donations, such as photos or certain memorialabilia, about the Worcester State Normal School, Worcester State Teachers College, or Worcester State College. But please contact me first. I am a librarian At WSU.