Nichols Academy: The Spring on the Hill 1815-1931 by Dr. James Lawson Conrad Jr., was recently published by Nichols College. Dr. Conrad is the resident historian for Nichols College and is considered an authority on Samuel Slater and the American textile industry.
Beginning in the mid-1700’s, Americans frequently used the word “academy” to describe a school offering courses for students who had finished elementary school. Conrad describes how academies were powerful transforming forces to the surrounding rural societies, improving the overall quality of local education with the introduction of an evolving, practical curriculum and by educating women and men in a humanist tradition. Nichols Academy’s legacy is that it changed the lives of young men and women from rural towns throughout our region.
While there were over 1,000 academies in New England by 1850, most of these disappeared or were absorbed by public high school systems. Nichols Academy was one of the few which later became a private college.
“This publication was made possible by the generous funding of Trustee Robert B. Kuppenheimer ’69,” notes President Debra M. Townsley, “and it has reinvigorated our immense pride as we prepare to celebrate our 200th anniversary in 2015.”
Dr. Conrad’s long history with Nichols College began in 1957 with his appointment as director of admissions. He later joined the faculty in 1963 and was promoted to professor of history in 1973. From 1973-1979, Conrad served as dean of faculty before returning to the classroom in 1980. From1998-2000, he served as vice president for external academic affairs.
Autographed copies are now available in the Nichols College Bookstore for $14.95.