That was certainly the case when five members of the Beaver Springs Senior Center paid a visit to the museum, located in the Beavertown Borough Building, 111 W. Walnut St., Beavertown, on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

“Their visit provided a wonderful opportunity to share not only our collection of local history but also the fascinating story behind the building that houses our museum,” explained Karen Burns, president of the Beavertown Historical Society.

Burns and historical society member Kay Kratzer guided the tour. Carol Brening, Sue Hower, Betty Mackneer and Deb Angelo attended from the Beaver Springs Senior Center, along with Tina Felker, site manager for the senior center.

“We’re always looking for new activities for our seniors,” Felker said of the museum field trip. “It turned out very nice. There were many of us, so Karen and Kay Kratzer could be very attentive to each one of us.

Photo courtesy of BEAVERTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY An aerial view of the former Beavertown Public School, built in 1880 by Moses Specht. The building’s rare plus-sign shape reflects a unique piece of architectural history. Today, it houses the Beavertown Borough Office, Beavertown Historical Society Museum and Beavertown Public Library.

“It’s (museum) a great little hidden treasure here in Beavertown,” Felker added.

Constructed in 1880 by local builder Moses Specht, the borough building originally served as the Beavertown Public School and stands out for its highly unusual design — a plus-sign shape, which was quite rare for that period.

The land for the school was donated by Henry Kern Jr., and the building went on to educate generations of local children in first through eighth grades.

Each of the four rooms held two grades, and heat for each came from potbelly stoves. In the early years, outdoor outhouses served the students, and although an indoor restroom was eventually added in the cellar, students still had to go outside to reach it.

Today, the historic structure continues to serve the community in new ways, now housing the historical society’s museum, Beavertown Borough Office, Beavertown Public Library and Beavertown Girl Scouts.

“We were honored to host the Beaver Springs group and appreciated their interest in preserving and learning more about the roots of our region,” Burns added.