About Burwell School Historic Site
The Burwell School Historic Site preserves the setting for one of the state’s earliest schools for girls, The Burwell Academy for Young Ladies. Today, the site’s two-acre property encompasses the Burwell residence (ca. 1821, 1848), the original brick classroom building of Robert and Margaret Anna Burwell’s school (ca.1837- 1857), a rare brick “necessary house” (ca. 1837), and beautiful formal gardens.
From 1835 – 1841 the Burwell household was also home to Elizabeth Hobbs, a Burwell family slave sent from Virginia with Robert and Anna Burwell to work for them in Hillsborough. Elizabeth was a talented seamstress who possessed drive and determination; she later married, bought her freedom, and became a successful businesswoman and the confidante of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Tours
Self-Guided tours are offered Wednesday through Friday 1 pm – 4 pm.
Docent led tours are offered Saturday 11am -4pm and Sundays 1 pm-4 pm.
All tours are free of charge.
Best Seasons to Experience
Amenities
- historic
- historic structures
- restrooms
- Tour