MATTAPOISETT — A panel describing the history of the Center School was recently installed in front of the building by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission.

The panel tells the story of the school’s founding and includes pictures depicting what the school looked like in its early days.

The panel, titled “Historically Speaking … Center School,” also includes an image of a handwritten note from the philanthropist who funded the construction of the building, describing his intentions to provide the property to the town so that “the children are made happier and healthier.”

The installation of the panel was approved by the Mattapoisett School Committee in late March after being proposed by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission in January.

The panel describes how the school was first opened as the Mattapoisett School in 1899. The property had been donated to the town by Henry Huttleston Rogers, an industrialist and financier from Fairhaven.

“A philanthropist, he was particularly committed to education and provided the funds for a number of public buildings, including a school in Fairhaven,” the panel states.

Rogers also spent his early childhood in Mattapoisett.

In 1897, Rogers and his wife Abbie attended the dedication of the new Mattapoisett Town Hall when he was approached by a prominent member of the community who told him the community needed a school.

On Oct. 27, 1897, attendees at a special town meeting voted to purchase a four-acre large lot on the corner of Barstow and Church streets to construct a two-story schoolhouse, which became the Mattapoisett School and provided an education to students in first through 12th grade until 1905.

In 1905, a new high school in Fairhaven opened and the Mattapoisett School began to only serve kids in the elementary grades.

The school was renovated over the years, constructing a six-room addition in 1936, a kitchen and cafeteria in 1950 and the addition of a large wing in 2004 to house students in kindergarten through third grade.

The Mattapoisett Historical Commission celebrated the panel’s installation as a way to educate the public about the school’s legacy.

“The Historical Commission is very pleased to be able to honor the history of Center School with the placement of a panel,” said Rachel McGourthy, chairperson of the commission.

Mattapoisett School Committee Chair Carly Lavin called the panel a “beautiful addition to the Center School property.”

“It’s awesome to see our history acknowledged in such a way,” Lavin added.

According to Center School Principal Linda Ashley, the installation is “already receiving plenty of attention” and said the panel is a “great way” for students, staff, parents and community members to learn more about the school’s history.