Upper Long Hill School House Restoration Project

About the Project

Trumbull has been presented with a rare opportunity to honor its heritage and bring a powerful symbol of town pride into the present. During recent renovations at Long Hill Green, a small structure slated for demolition caught the attention of the community. At first glance, it seemed insignificant. However, a mandated demolition review by the Trumbull Demolition Review Committee, a team led by Zoning Enforcement Officer Brian Fitzgerald, Historical Society Co-President Debra Silber, and Historical Society member and Christian Heritage School Student Life Coordinator John Naeher revealed something remarkable: this was no ordinary building. Constructed in 1894, it was the last one0room schoolhouse built in Trumbull, the Upper Long Hill School.

This modest building carries deep historical and emotional significant. It marked the beginning of Miss Jane Ryan’s distinguished career in education, a figure who would go on to found Trumbull’s first public library. Among the school’s students were the children of Igor Sikorsky, the famed helicopter pioneer, further anchoring the schoolhouse to Trumbull’s legacy. 

Once its true history was uncovered, a team came together to safeguard the schoolhouse’s remains, and the Parks Superintendent Dmitri Paris worked with the committee, private developer, and volunteer experts to dismantle and relocate the structure. The leadership of those who recognized its historical significance was instrumental in ensuring the original components were saved. Once relocated, an initiative led by John Naeher engaged student and families from Christian Heritage School to volunteer their time clearing and preparing the recovered boards for future reconstruction. These materials will remain safely stored at the school until the fundraising goal is met. 

Click here for project photos and more historic background (PDF).