History
Keene Central School 1937
(close-ups)
In September 1936, girls and boys began the school year in the brand new Keene Valley High School building located on Market Street in Keene Valley. The former Keene Valley High School is no longer standing and the Keene Elementary School is now the Town of Keene Community Center.
Today, the sign outside this same building (expanded and improved) reads Keene Central School and currently serves the children of Keene/Keene Valley in grades K-12.
The Town of Keene received its charter on March 19, 1808. Today the Town includes the hamlets of Keene, Keene Valley, and St. Hubert’s. In 1787, the first settlers arrived in what is now called Keene Valley.
Soon, others followed and as settlements began to grow along the Ausable River it became necessary to provide a school house for the children. In 1813 The Town of Keene organized one of the first school districts in the Adirondacks.
There are many good books and websites that detail the history of Keene/Keene Valley. Resources are also available at local museums and libraries.
Here are a few websites to get you started.
