History of the Langford Schoolhouse

For over 75 years, the Langford Schoolhouse was a place where generations of children in the Langford community were educated. Today the Langford Schoolhouse is operated as a Community Hub and is available to rent for a variety of events and activities such as workshops, meetings, classes, conferences, business retreats, dances, Mom to Mom sales, feasts, festivals, showers, weddings and other family and community celebrations.

The first Langford school was built in the early 1870s, one of several one-room schoolhouses that were built in the area to support the growing community surrounding Brantford. The original building was destroyed in a fire, but was rebuilt in 1896. In 1964, the school transitioned into a community centre, but the children left their mark. Their names remain etched into the building itself. The Langford Conservancy formed informally in 2010, taking over the care of the Langford Schoolhouse, continuing the vision of the past 140 years – to run this wonderful historic space as a community hub.

2010

  • Friends of Langford School formed to care for the Langford Schoolhouse

2012

  • Incorporated the Langford Conservancy as a registered not-for-profit
  • Purchased the Langford Schoolhouse

2013

  • Began holding workshops and events at the Schoolhouse
  • 1st Annual SOS (Save Our Schoolhouse) Festival

2014

  • Hosted 1st AGM
  • Completed certification of the kitchen for commercial use

2015

  • Hosted a Mid-Winter Feast
  • Piloted a Farmers Market and Cafe on Schoolhouse site
  • Repaired stonework and restored the original wooden floor

2016

  • Launched community garden project

2017

  • Awarded Enabling Accessibility grant

2018

  • Constructed ramp to make Schoolhouse accessible

2019-2023

  • Installed solar panels and heat pump, making the Schoolhouse off grid and feeding into the tariff
  • Built picnic shelter
  • Built covered shelter over side entrance
  • Outreach to seniors and to migrant farm workers
  • Painted interior of Schoolhouse

2024-2025

  • Installed new sign
  • Removed phragmites
  • Completed accessible shower
  • Replaced side entrance
  • Workshop to help farmers and landowners do conservation projects on farmland & natural areas