The Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse

The Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse The Sydenstricker School (aka The Pohick School #8), was built in 1928 (to replace an earlier schoolhouse that had burned), and closed in 1939. Please join us!

The Upper Pohick Community League (UPCL) is descended from the Sydenstricker School & Community League, which organized around 1900 and was the original “PTA” of the one‐room Sydenstricker Schoolhouse (formally known as Pohick School #8). The school, which taught children from 1st through 7th grade, was the social and educational center of our community from about 1898 (when the schoolhouse was co

nstructed) until 1939 when the school closed. After the schoolhouse closed the Sydenstricker League continued to meet, and the school building continued to be used as a center for our rural community. The group rallied for local concerns including better roads and improved transportation to the local schools. In 1948 the Sydenstricker League reorganized themselves as the Upper Pohick Community League. The League purchased the schoolhouse at public auction in 1954. For many years it was the center of social activities in our area, including square dances, community suppers, and popular annual “Turkey Shoots”. During the 1950s the League sponsored a Boy and Girl Scout troop, as well as a “Litter Buggy” which collected trash from local roads. As local subdivisions sprung up in the 1960s and 70s, and the new neighborhoods formed their own neighborhood associations, the membership and activity of the UPCL waned. However, a small group continued to keep the UPCL alive for the sake of the historic one‐room schoolhouse. In recent years the League became primarily focused on the maintenance and preservation of the Schoolhouse, and its important place in our community. In 2014, Friends of Sydenstricker Schoolhouse, a 501(c)3, non‐profit charity, was organized to raise money to preserve and protect the schoolhouse. Without the financial burden of maintaining a nearly century old historic structure, the UPCL is finally able to return to their roots as a community focused organization. The organization has renewed its commitment to our local community, and is reaching out to our local schools, libraries and other organizations with support and appreciation. The UPCL is the oldest continually operating community association in Springfield, Virginia, and among the oldest in Fairfax County. Our membership is open to all.

05/27/2026

They’re baaaaaaa-ck 🐑 Come see the Lamb Mowers in our Schoolyard during our First Saturday Open (School)House on June 6 from 10am to 1pm!

Today is a very full day st the Schoolhouse! Stop by to check it all out!1️⃣ The Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virgi...
05/02/2026

Today is a very full day st the Schoolhouse! Stop by to check it all out!

1️⃣ The Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia (HSNVA) will host their 3rd Annual PASSPORT PROGRAM. Pick up your passport, get it stamped, then travel to visit other NOVA schoolhouses from 10 AM - 2PM to learn more about the fascinating history of education in
Virginia.

2️⃣ We will launch the Spring/Summer season of the Sydenstricker Community Plant Exchange, which will run through the beginning of July.

3️⃣ Luci's Mobile Library will be back to give away free, gently used childrens books to kids of all ages. LML is dedicated to fostering
the joy of reading in children of all ages and abilities, and is an inclusive and welcoming organization without religious affiliation.

4️⃣ At Noon we will enjoy a brief presentation by our West Springfield High School intern, followed by a reception to honor her hard work this semester.

We have *SO* much fun planned for our First Saturday Open (School)House this weekend from 10am to 2pm! Make plans to sto...
05/01/2026

We have *SO* much fun planned for our First Saturday Open (School)House this weekend from 10am to 2pm! Make plans to stop by!

Yesterday the Schoolhouse got a taste of spring by hosting the Fairfax Plant and Seed Swap! Anything left over was donat...
04/26/2026

Yesterday the Schoolhouse got a taste of spring by hosting the Fairfax Plant and Seed Swap! Anything left over was donated to the Sydenstricker Community Plant Exchange which will open for the season on the Schoolhouse grounds on Saturday, May 2! Thank you to all who stopped by.

Got out of town guests with you for the weekend?! Bring them by the Schoolhouse tomorrow between 10am-2pm for our monthl...
04/03/2026

Got out of town guests with you for the weekend?! Bring them by the Schoolhouse tomorrow between 10am-2pm for our monthly open house!

Join us this Saturday for a tour of the Schoolhouse between 10am and 2pm!
04/03/2026

Join us this Saturday for a tour of the Schoolhouse between 10am and 2pm!

Stop by the schoolhouse for Pi(e) day, until about 2:30 pm!
03/14/2026

Stop by the schoolhouse for Pi(e) day, until about 2:30 pm!

It’s a beautiful Pi Day! Let’s celebrate!
03/14/2026

It’s a beautiful Pi Day! Let’s celebrate!

Please join us on Pi Day, TOMORROW Saturday 3/14 from Noon- 2 PM for a unique afternoon blending history, music, mathematics...and PIE! PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR LECTURES!

The event features two presentations starting at NOON at the Sydenstricker Chapel (8507 Hooes Rd - Fellowship Hall in the lower level):

“Music in the One-Room Schoolhouse and Beyond": James Lawrence, dedicated Schoolhouse intern and docent, will present his research on the vital role of music in early American education, featuring a special, live performance.

"Mathematics & Music": George Mason University professor, Dr. Ilhan Izmirli, will present a fascinating lecture exploring the deep connections between mathematical theory and musical composition.

The program will conclude with light refreshments served next door at the Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse, including a variety of homemade pies in honor of Pi Day (3.14). The program will last about 2 hours (including Pie).

Admission: Free, but donations appreciated!
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Roses are red🌹, violets are blue,the Schoolhouse will have card supplies waiting for YOU!Save the date for our next Open...
01/11/2026

Roses are red🌹, violets are blue,
the Schoolhouse will have card supplies waiting for YOU!

Save the date for our next Open House on Saturday, February 7th from 10am to 2pm when you can stop by to make Valentine's Day cards! ❤

Address

8511 Hooes Road
Springfield, VA
22153

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