The Emmorton Schoolhouse in Bel Air has been designated as a historic landmark, ensuring that the 104-year-old building will be preserved and maintained by the county government indefinitely.

The schoolhouse, at the corner of Old Emmorton and Wheel Roads, has a diverse history. It was built for white students during the era of school segregation in the early 1920s, and has since served as a community center. The Merry Maidens 4-H Club, the Harford County Farm Bureau, the Emmorton Grange, and various groups from Mt. Carmel Methodist Church all meet there.

Dr. Linda Freilich even ran a medical practice there from 1991 to 2023, specializing in kidney health. Freilich is still owns the property and nominated the schoolhouse to become a historic landmark in June, but it was not officially designated until Nov. 25.

“I just wanted to make sure that it was not going to be torn down because it was an old schoolhouse, and there are no more old schoolhouses in Harford County,” Freilich said.

The building served as a schoolhouse exclusively for white students until 1958, according to a press release from Harford County government. After it closed as a general school, students were transferred to Wakefield Elementary School in Bel Air. Then, for roughly 20 years, the schoolhouse became the Emmorton Special School, providing additional educational support to students with learning disabilities until 1976.

“The structure reflects the area’s growth in the early 20th century and its significance in the history of the Harford County Public Schools,” said Matt Button, public information officer for Harford County government. Button noted that the school population in the county grew with the establishment of Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Edgewood Arsenal in 1917, creating a demand for larger facilities.

The Emmorton Schoolhouse was built in 1920, replacing a one-room schoolhouse on Wheel Road that still stands today, Button said. The original school was constructed sometime during the 1860s and was converted into a residence following the construction of the two-room schoolhouse.

Button said the landmark designation process takes three months on average, although the Emmorton Schoolhouse took five before it was approved by the County Council. The process starts with a nomination to the Harford County Historic Preservation Commission, which compiles reports and develops legislation that permanently designates the property.

Once legislation is drafted, it is presented at a council meeting by the council president at the request of the county executive.

“We are proud to preserve this special place as a lasting reminder of our history,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said in the county’s news release. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission, Department of Planning and Zoning and others, we have established over 70 county landmarks and two historic districts, ensuring these connections to our past endure for generations to come.”

Before the schoolhouse was officially designated, Planning and Zoning Department staff met with Freilich to discuss the benefits and requirements of landmark designation. Harford County historic landmarks are eligible for the Harford County Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which is equal to 10% of the cost of exterior rehabilitation up to a maximum of $7,500 per credit.

Today, Freilich leases the building to Autism Connection, an afterschool therapeutic program for neurodivergent adolescents and young adults. Autism Connection opened in July 2022, converting sections of the building into a sensory room, game room and kitchen.

“I liked the homey feel. It’s warm and inviting. I wanted my clients to feel safe and loved in this space. I wanted to create an environment for them to be themselves and find friends,” said Annie Koukoulis, owner and director of Autism Connection. “We all love being here. I’m very happy and grateful that I was able to acquire this space for my staff and clients.”

The Emmorton Schoolhouse is located at 101 East Wheel Road in Bel Air.

Have a news tip? Contact Brennan Stewart at bstewart@baltsun.com, 443-800-5902, or @BrennanStewart_ on X.