School today is much different than it was long ago.
That’s the lesson all four of the Primary Elementary School’s first grade classes learned when they visited the history-rich Schoolhouse #18 on October 3.
The one-room schoolhouse, located by the Town of Westmoreland municipal offices, was built by Beverly Zingerline at her home in the 1980s. After its completion, Zingerline, who had a love for history and education, spent 20 years furnishing it with authentic antique items including desks with inkwells, slates and chalk, old games, textbooks and maps, tin lunch boxes, a 48-star American flag and even a “dunce cap” - - which was placed on top of a child’s head when they misbehaved. 
When Zingerline passed away, her family donated the schoolhouse to the Westmoreland Historical Society, and 10 years ago, it was moved to its current location. It is a replica of the 17 known one-room schoolhouses that once served the Westmoreland community between the late 1700s and early 1900s.
Since assuming ownership, the historical society opens the schoolhouse for public tours, school trips and popular annual events, “The Haunted Schoolhouse” every Halloween and “The Schoolhouse Celebrates Flag Day.”
Westmoreland’s first grade students have been visiting the schoolhouse for the past six years. Sharon Yager, a retired teacher from the Westmoreland Central School District and now member of the Westmoreland Historical Society, conducts the tours.
“My favorite part is watching the kids’ enthusiasm and love for learning,” Mrs. Beck, first grade teacher, said. “Also, hearing them ask questions and seeing their curiosity for all that is in the school.”
The field trip is the culmination of a reading unit comparing schools of today with schools of long ago. During the unit, the first grade students read several informational texts about the topic, look at dozens of pictures and discuss similarities and differences.
But, there’s nothing quite like being able to experience what is being taught in the classroom, outside of the classroom.
“We hope the students gain a greater appreciation for what they have and the opportunities they are given in school today compared to the past,” Mrs. Beck said of the trip. “Also, we are so fortunate to have Mrs. Yager play and dress the part. She is always so fantastic.”
After the field trip to the schoolhouse, students write about what they saw, learned and liked best. These experiences, along with some photos from the trip, are hanging up on the bulletin board in the first grade hallway.