The original Verplanck schoolhouse was built at the intersection of Broadway and sixth Street, which is now a private residence. It was replaced by the current Victorian-era brick school built in 1876,on land donated by John Henry, one of Verplanck’s leading residents of the time. He was a successful brick manufacturer in the days when the hamlet was a major brick producing center. The bricks utilized were therefore all locally produced in Buchanan, and laid by local masons. The original building had four rooms. It operated as an elementary schoolhouse for over 100 years, when in 1971 the Central School District #3 rented it to the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), who occupied it until 1974. Then….
 
From The Citizen Register:   New Uses sought for old school in Verplanck:
Wednesday. Sept. 26. 1979 Gannett Westchester Newspapers
By JOE CULLEN
Staff Writer
 
The School was  subsequently sold to the Verplanck Fire District in 1974. Funds were obtained from the Urban County Development Program, and a $1,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition, Fire District funds were used to restore the building and turn it into its current Community Center status. Although the building now needs maintenance and repairs, last month (April, 2026),  the Verplanck Fire District announced that a proposition to authorize the sale or transfer of the “Schoolhouse Building” had not been approved by voters. The property will therefore remain under fire district ownership.

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Current USES: Since becoming the Verplanck Schoolhouse Community Center in 1985, this venue has been used by multiple organizations. The Hudson Valley Irish Center, established by Irish immigrants in the 19th century, used the schoolhouse to promote and educate the community on Irish culture, arts, and history through events like the Hudson Valley Irish Fest. The building also served as a gathering place for the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), offering cultural education to all members of the Hudson Valley communities.
-The Verplanck Schoolhouse Community Center  also serves as an important Senior Citizen Center. The building is used by the Town of Cortlandt Office of Aging for the Verplanck Senior Citizen Club, which  meets regularly at this location. Town residents over sixty years of age are eligible for to join the Verplanck Club.  Membership includes special trips, information symposiums and socials.
-In addition, The Cortlandt Community Rowing Association, Inc. ( a 501(c)(3) non-profit group) also uses the Old Schoolhouse for off-season activities and training. CCRA formed to develop and promote the sport of rowing, or crew. The CCRA service area includes Cortlandt and surrounding communities.

-Richard H. Becker, M.D.