On May 29, 2026, the Old Staples Academy was the site of a special dedication ceremony, as neighbors, scholars, and community leaders gathered to unveil a William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Marker honoring Samuel Staples, one of Easton’s most enduring benefactors. The Pomeroy Foundation awards cast aluminum roadside markers to sites and figures of genuine historical significance, and the recognition is a testament to the depth of the historical record preserved here in Easton.

The ceremony also marked the opening of a new America 250 gallery inside the Old Academy building, featuring artifacts that trace Easton’s history from pre-contact indigenous tools to nineteenth-century documents. Highlights include the original portrait of Captain James Johnson, historic furniture, and objects reflecting the farming, military, and religious life of the town. Interpretive panels place these pieces in their broader context.

The Old Academy is open by appointment, during scheduled Historical Society events, and on Sundays this summer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the full story of the day and the history behind it, read the Historical Society’s complete article.