HEBRON — Hebron Academy archivist David Stonebraker recently briefed the Hebron Historical Society on the origin and progression of the school from its founding in 1804.

The earliest artifact in his possession is a farewell address to students leaving the academy in 1806. Few records before the Civil War remain.

Stonebraker reflected on the school’s most famous alumni, Vice President Hannibal Hamlin who served under Abraham Lincoln, and Freelan O. Stanley, co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer.

As headmaster for 36 years beginning in 1885, William Sargent oversaw the academy’s most profound changes, including numerous new buildings. This included Sturtevant Hall, built in 1891, as well as the new headmaster’s residence across campus.

The academy was co-ed but became a boys school prior to its closing during World War II and after reopening in 1946. It became co-ed once again in 1971 and remains so today.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Hebron Town Office, 351 Paris Road. Pat Shearman will speak on the modernized system of accessing the Oxford County Registry of Deeds. Accompanying her will be the Register of Probate Jennifer Dilworth, speaking on research genealogy. The public is invited.