Williams Memorial Institute

The Williams Memorial Institute is a private secondary school at 110 Broad Street in New London, Connecticut. It was founded by Harriet Peck Williams in 1891, following the death of her son Thomas W. Williams II, a well-known whaling merchant.[2] It was originally located at 110 Broad Street in New London, but moved when it merged with Connecticut College as a coeducational, preparatory for the education department. It is now known as The Williams School and offers classes from 6th grade to 12th grade.[3]

The Williams School
Williams School at Connecticut College Campus.jpg
Location
New London
,
Connecticut

United States
Coordinates41.3763°N 72.1038°W / 41.3763; -72.1038
Information
Former nameThe Williams Memorial Institute
School typePrivate
Established1891
FounderHarriet Peck Williams
Head of schoolMark Fader
Grades6-12
Enrollment236
Color(s)Blue and white
MascotThe Blues
Websitewww.williamsschool.org
Williams Memorial Institute
The former Williams Memorial Institute building at 110 Broad Street
Built1891 (1891)
ArchitectShepley, Rutan & Coolidge
Architectural styleRomanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque
NRHP reference No.78002876[1]
Added to NRHPJanuary 30, 1978

History

Founder

Harriet Peck Williams born on March 17, 1795, and was married to General William Williams. They had three male children, all of whom died early in life. After the death of her son in 1855, she became a philanthropist for the promotion and advancement of female education.[4] and upon her death, her will allocated a large portion of her fortune to begin a high school for girls in New London in memory of her son, "The Williams Memorial Institute".[3] When her husband died in 1870, she became the last survivor of her family and continued being a philanthropist. She also founded a library in honor of her father "The Bela Peck Library".[3]

Location and facilities

The first building was located on 110 Broad Street, the architects of which were Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge. The plot of land on Broad Street was the highest of the land and the buildings was built in a Romanesque Style. The school was able to accommodate three hundred students and had seven classrooms, a gymnasium, laboratories, and a library.[5] This building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 for its architecture and now houses a state superior court.

First president

Colin Sherman Buell was the first president of The Williams Memorial Institute. He was a key figure in improving higher education for women.[6] Buell tried to expand the Memorial Institute to become a women's college, but the plan fell through due to lack of interest.[6] When Wesleyan College in Middletown decided to stop admitting women to the university, Buell combined efforts with Elizabeth Wright.[7] With help from the City of New London, who raised $135,000 and one million dollars from Morton F. Plant. they helped found Connecticut College. He later became a member of the college's board of trustees

Joining Connecticut College

Agreement

On February 18, 1954, the Williams Memorial Institute started discussions to relocate the school near the Connecticut College campus on Mohegan Avenue. The relocation cost $200,000 and stipulated that the college approve all the terms of the junction. The terms of the agreement were bonded by a ten-year contract, set to be renewed every five years after the completion of the initial ten years.[8]

Location

The new Williams Memorial Insititute building is located in the south portion of the campus near Palmer Auditorium. The architects responsible for the design are Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon, who designed buildings for Connecticut College [8] The building was expanded on November 24, 1964, to be able to accommodate more students.[9] It has since changed its name to The Williams School, although its legal name is still The Williams Memorial Institute.

Relationship

Through the relationship between the two schools, Connecticut College education majors are able to student teach at the Williams School, while the college provides funding to the Williams School. This relationship was one of the first ones between a college and a secondary or elementary school that the Ford Foundation was interested in the project.[8] The college and the school are separate entities that mutually benefit each other. The college has no power over educational curriculum and extracurricular activities of the school.

The Williams School

Academics

The middle school (grades 6-8) requires courses in English, history (local and American), science, math, Spanish, and Latin, as well as enrichment courses that include art, music, drama, dance, health and wellness, and research skills.[3]

The high school (grade 9-12) offers a New Advanced Course curriculum that promotes the deepening of advanced placement courses. The school also allows seniors to take courses at Connecticut College so they can experience college life and receive college credits.[3]

Associations

Presidents
  • 1891–1938: Colin Sherman Buell
  • 1938–1946: Jerome Burett
  • 1946–1956: Gertrude Moon
  • 1950–1960: Dr. Evelyn Page
  • 1960–1963: Catherine Oakes
  • 1963–1978: Marion H. Hamilton
  • 1978–1994: Steven J. Dandenberg
  • 1994–1998: Lawrence Roberts
  • 1998–2008: Charlotte L. Rhea
  • 2008–present: Mark Fader[3]

Notable alumni

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. Carol, Kimball (December 1, 1988). "The birth of Williams Memorial Institute". The Day.
  3. "The Williams School". The Williams School. Retrieved 2016-10-08.
  4. Emanuel, Peter (2007). "Off The Wall" (PDF). Williams School - Harriet Peck Williams.
  5. Noyes, Gertrude E. (1984). A Proud Tradition The Story of The Williams School. New London: The Williams School. pp. 6–8.
  6. Linda Lear Center for Special Collections & Archives, Connecticut College, 1910-1917. 10/10/2016.
  7. Higdon, Jr., Leo I. (Spring 2011). "Remembering our Great Beginnings". Presidents page – via Connecticut College.
  8. College, Connecticut (February 24, 1954). "The College voice vol.39, No.13". Retrieved October 8, 2016 – via Digital Commons.
  9. New London, Day (1964-11-24). "Williams Addition Begins" – via theday.com.
  10. "Harriett May Allyn 1905". www.mtholyoke.edu. Retrieved 2016-10-08.
  11. Trumbull Corwin, Margaret (1920). Alumnae, Graduate School, Yale University. Yale University. pp. 25–26.

Official website

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