Churchville Schoolhouse
Construction Update: Final phase of Churchville Schoolhouse renovation underway
In December 2009, construction crews began the final phase of renovation work on the historic Churchville Schoolhouse, located on Church Road in Bensenville. The Churchville Schoolhouse, which is owned and operated by the City of Elmhurst, is scheduled for completion by fall of 2010. The final phase of construction, which is being completed with the cooperation with the Village of Bensenville, includes the addition of utility and water service, an accessible rest room for year-round use, and heating and air conditioning systems. The site, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and managed by the Elmhurst Historical Museum, will be reopened for public use in 2010 with a variety of programs. Check back often for photos of this important ongoing project that will preserve history for future generations. Watch for a grand opening public event to be announced soon!
Thank you for Rockin' the Schoolhouse!
The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation would like to thank the community for coming out to support the "Rockin' the Schoolhouse!" fundraising event at Drury Lane in November 2009. More than 300 friend of the foundation joined in a wonderful evening to celebrate the 2010 reopening of the Churchville Schoolhouse site. Many thanks to all participants and donors for helping to raise critical funds to restore this important historical landmark.
Overview
In the mid-1800’s, the one-room schoolhouse was a vital focal point of every growing community, bringing children of all ages together under one roof to learn their daily lessons. Throughout the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, the Churchville Schoolhouse served families in what is now north Elmhurst and south Bensenville as the area became more populated and the need for quality education grew.
Living History
Residents of Elmhurst and the surrounding communities will soon have a close-up view of what life was like in a one-room schoolhouse in the early 20th century as the Elmhurst Historical Museum brings the Churchville Schoolhouse back to its original luster. The Churchville Schoolhouse, located on Church Road just north of Grand Ave. in unincorporated Bensenville, is one of the last one-room schoolhouses in Illinois still on its original site.
The Churchville Schoolhouse dates to the 1850s and is located on grounds that were once part of the Fischer family farm. The building was acquired by the City of Elmhurst in September of 2001, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Revitalization
Through a cooperative community effort, Elmhurst Historical Museum and the City of Elmhurst are overseeing the revitalization of this treasured landmark. The building is now in Phase II of construction, and it is estimated that the project will be complete in 2010.
Plans are in the works for creation of a living history experience for local schoolchildren and adults alike. Many exciting community programs and events are being planned for this restored historic building, so visit this page frequently for the latest updates and photos.