The Avon Historical Society, Avon, CT is fundraising to create a documentary entitled, “A Coat of History", Preserving the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse in Avon, Connecticut.

This documentary tells the continuing story of Avon Connecticut’s Pine Grove Schoolhouse, which operated from 1865 to 1949. Verité archival footage of the detailed, historically accurate 2026 renovation process performed by local, professional artisans underlies the audience’s journey beyond the walls of the schoolhouse building. Along the way we meet former students, dedicated citizens, young and old, town officials and others who cherish what this structure signifies in their lives. Historical experts provide a glimpse into how U.S. public schools evolved from one-room to the complex school systems of today and where the education promise to our children is headed. The preservation of a building, standing at the same location for 161 years, presents many challenges from funding deficits to holes in the roof, collapsing chalkboards and aesthetic disagreements, yet this caring community never wavers from its mission and often finds humor within the struggles.