Clara Barton School is a contributing resource in the Bordentown Historic District. Its significance derives from being the state’s first ‘free public school’ started by Clara Barton and where she taught from 1852-1854. Her first class held six male students. By 1855, 29 towns in NJ offered free public school. The 1.5 story brick building pre-dates Barton’s tenure as the date stone reads 1839.  The building was documented by HABS in 1936. It was owned by the State Board of Education prior to turning it over to the Historical Society. The Schoolhouse is listed in the NJ Women’s Heritage Trail.  

The Trust grant will help fund roof replacement, repairs to exterior woodwork, barrier free access, front door replacement, installation of a barrier-free restroom, new HVAC and electrical systems, and interpretive signage.