Lincoln Academy Celebrates 225th Anniversary

Since Feb. 23, 1801, the Newcastle school has grown exponentially in all areas. Over two centuries, it has overcome fires, survived world conflicts, and has welcomed students from around the world. Some students who walk the halls today have parents and grandparents who also attended Lincoln Academy.

“It’s a remarkable statistic, that the school has been here this long,” said Jeffrey Burroughs, Lincoln Academy’s 44th and current head of school.

While the school is not hosting any festivities for this anniversary, LA Communications Director Jenny Mayher said there is discussion about republishing an updated history on the academy that would pick up from the 2001 publication “Lincoln Academy: A History 1801-2001.” The book recalls the history of the academy since its founding and takes a look at the people, places, and things of every decade.

In the past 25 years since the publication was released, Lincoln Academy has gone through even more changes. Some of the most notable, according to Mayher, include the building of the Alumni Dining Commons and the science wing in the early 2000s.

Mayher said the strength of the performing arts program is also something of note, the school’s one-act play winning numerous regional championships over the years. In 2024, the bell tower was refurbished.

“I think one of my favorite things that we talk about a lot in our admissions process and with our alumni, is this idea that the community has trusted Lincoln Academy for such a long time to educate young people,” Mayher said.

One of the biggest transitions Lincoln Academy has made is the introduction of its residential program in 2013, Mayher said. Kiah Bayley Hall, named after one of the 13 original trustees of the school in 1801, houses students from around the country and world.

Mayher said the introduction of international students has broadened the school’s perspective on the world and themselves.