#boston public schools

On this day in 1867, Boston’s Committee on Public Instruction proposed that Boston build a new school in South Boston. The Committee noted that the population of South Boston had increased rapidly, “partly from natural growth and partly from the removal of many families from districts in the city-proper where dwelling houses have been destroyed and stores erected” The Committee wrote that the South Boston schools were completely full. Although the city was constructing the Norcross School, the committee noted that “there will still be more than enough pupils to fill another schoolhouse as the natural increases of the population is about three classes every six months.”

Dockets 1867-0261-F, Proceedings of the City Council, Collection 0100.001, Boston City Archives .

Boston goes back to school this week! Here’s a throwback to an 1890s classroom at teh Horace Mann School.

Classroom of  Mabel Adams with 8 children, Horace Mann School photographs, Collection 4020.047, Boston City Archives, Boston

Did you know that the Boston City Archives has a large collection of Boston Public School student publications? This 1914 cover of the Mechanic Arts High student magazine shows off a piece of student artwork.

Interested in find out more about the kinds of student publications the City Archives holds? Take a look in ourcatalogor email us at [email protected]