The Root Schoolhouse:
A Community Space
Our vision is to provide a unique venue for our community to enjoy educational, social and cultural gatherings, in a building that has a special place in the history of Norwich, Vermont.
Step into history! The Root District Schoolhouse, built in 1937, has been a vital community hub for decades and is newly restored and open for the community to use, connect, and enjoy.
2026 Community Events
Sunday July 12 – The Porch Brothers and Friends host the Wall-Stiles, 4pm
Come join us July 12 at 4pm for a late afternoon of music from friends and neighbors hosted by The Porch Brothers, joined by Nathan Margolis and Cam Cross. Featuring special guests “The Wall-Stiles”. Music starts at 4pm or thereabouts, the show will run about 90 minutes.
Our theme for this concert is “Bittersweet”. The Porch Brothers, Nathan and Cam will open the show with their own take on this theme. The Wall-Stiles will bring their unique blend of covers and originals to the fore and ending with a schoolhouse sing-along.
Light refreshments and drinks will be available. Bring something to share if you’re in the mood. Stay for a few minutes afterward to chat with your neighbors.
Sunday August 16 – The Porch Brothers and Friends bring you Beatles Night, 4pm
Your community friends playing the incomparable music of the Beatles. More details to follow.
Light refreshments and drinks will be available. Bring something to share if you’re in the mood. Stay for a few minutes afterward to chat with your neighbors.
If you missed our show last month, Chad Finer recorded it for eternity.
Who are the Porch Brothers?
Your Norwich neighbors Bob Miller (guitar, harmonica), Dave Barthel (bass uke, guitar) Jordan Mueller (guitar) and Dave Bibeau (guitar). Also featuring Dan Longnecker (mandolin) from Bradford, Bill Suite (drums) from Ryegate and Deb Crosby (guitar) from Wilder.
Who are the Wall-Stiles?
An upper valley travel band from the 2000’s, they played the gig scene all over the upper valley and beyond. Encompassing all genres, they play an energetic mix of rock, jazz, blues, and originals (look them up on Spotify!).
But kids came, and life moved on. Now they are reconstituted for this reunion concert as:
Bruce Brough (guitar, harmonica, vocals) – Corinth, VT, Dave Barthel (bass, vocals) – Norwich, VT, John Foster (drums) – West Lebanon, NH
The Root Schoolhouse is located 987 Union Village Road. Three accessible parking spaces are available, and some limited lawn parking. Further parking can be found on Goodrich Four Corners near Hogwash Farm. There is NO parking on the Union Village Road.
Previous 2026 shows:
Sunday June 7 – Sabrina and the Jazzcats, 4pm
Moon, Stars & Dreams- Jazz, Swing, Pop: Featuring Fred Haas and Sabrina Brown. Pay what you wish, suggested donation $20. 20% donated to support the Root Schoolhouse.
* Sunday June 14 – The Porch Brothers, 4pm
Join us for a late afternoon of music from friends and neighbors hosted by The Porch Brothers, joined by Cam’s Crew, and Nathan and Lori Margolis. Music starts at 4pm or thereabouts, the show will run 60 to 90 minutes.
You’ll hear some eclectic bluesy, folksy Americana, some classic rock hits, maybe an “on the road” song or two and who knows what else! Don’t be shy, we may encourage some sing-along classics as well.
Light refreshments and drinks will be available. Bring something to share if you’re in the mood. Stay for a few minutes afterward to chat with your neighbors.
Who are the Porch Brothers?
Your Norwich neighbors Bob Miller (guitar, harmonica), Dave Barthel (bass uke, guitar) Jordan Mueller (guitar) and Dave Bibeau (guitar). Also featuring Dan Longnecker (mandolin) from Bradford, Bill Suite (drums) from Ryegate and Deb Crosby (guitar) from Wilder.
Rent the Schoolhouse!
Our quaint one-room schoolhouse overlooking the beautiful fields of Hogwash Farm is ideal for classes, meetings, performances, children’s activities, and more!
Photos from previous Schoolhouse events
Finding us
Root Schoolhouse is located at 987 Union Village Road, north of the intersection of Union Village Road and Goodrich Four Corners Road in Norwich, VT.
Root Schoolhouse by the Numbers:
Thank you for your support!
$163 K
Donated
180
Donors
11
Grants
45
Volunteers
We would like to thank our local contractors and artisans who generously donated their time at reduced rates or as an in-kind donation: Graham Webster of Webster and Donovan, Paul Derkson of Turning Leaf, and Blake Spencer of Spencer Associates, Rye Keller for the iron railings on the front steps, Jeff Wilmot for the inside painting and John Vincent former board member and retired engineer instrumental as a project manager during the foundation replacement phase.
Donate
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please see our donation information. Thank you for your support.
Some folks ask about our name.
The Root District Game Club bought the building from the town for $5.00 in 1952.
This continues to be our legal name.
Root District Game Club
A 501(c)(3) Not for Profit
PO Box 42, Norwich, VT 05055
vtrootschoolhouse@gmail.com
Root Schoolhouse 