Union Hall

Union Hall: A Historic Center of Education and Abolitionist Debate

Built in 1816, Union Hall was originally established as a grammar school operated by the First Church of Christ in Farmington. Over the years, it has served as a meeting place for abolitionist and anti-abolitionist gatherings, a town hall, a local library, and most recently, home to the Art Guild of Farmington. Today, it remains a private residence, but its history continues to shape Farmington’s legacy.

The Farmington Academy: A Foundation of Learning

Union Hall was home to the Farmington Academy, founded in 1816 to meet the educational needs of local boys and girls. Offering courses in math, grammar, geography, Latin, and Greek, the academy flourished under the leadership of Simeon Hart, a Yale graduate and respected headmaster. By the late 1820s, enrollment had nearly doubled, attracting students from out of state who boarded with local families.

In 1835, Hart left to establish a boys’ boarding school, and although the Academy remained open for another 15 years, it ultimately closed in 1850 due to declining enrollment.

Abolitionist Debates and the Farmington Freedom Trail

During the abolitionist movement, Union Hall became a venue for both abolitionist and anti-abolitionist meetings, reflecting the intense debates that shaped Connecticut’s stance on slavery. Due to its historical significance, it is now part of the Farmington Freedom Trail, preserving its role in both education and the fight for justice.

This site is privately owned and not open to the public