Historic Preservation of the old High School

Honoring the rich history of Arlington High School has always been a priority during the Arlington High School building project. The AHS Building Committee Memorials Subcommittee has collected, documented, and stored numerous AHS historical artifacts. Bill McCarthy, AHS Assistant Principal, has chaired the Memorials Subcommittee and has led the display, documentation and storage of AHS historical artifacts and archives. The following historical features of the old AHS have been designed and installed into the new facility.

The facade of the original 1914 AHS Fusco building has been preserved and installed as the entrance to the Black Box Theater.

This carved wood panel dates back to the early 1900’s and was part of the original wood entry stair in the Fusco Building. The panel is mounted on the wall of the Mass. Ave. lobby near the entrance to the Black Box Theater and the Life Skills Cafe.

The River of Hands is a collaborative mural incorporating the sculpted hands of over 200 AHS students and teachers. It is now in a 5th floor hallway of the Student Center

The “A” from the original proscenium from Old Hall (the original auditorium) is on the 3rd floor balcony that overlooks the Mass. Ave. lobby

Memorials and markers from the original front lawn have been worked back into the new building’s exterior landscaping. 

Other historic items are currently in storage until school administration can determine the best option to display in the building. They include:

• Clock mechanism from the original Columb House tower
• The original bell clock from the Fusco House
• Frescos from the original Old Hall auditorium
• Proscenium from the original Old Hall auditorium
• Several bronze plaques including those honoring WW1 veterans
• The hall of fame plaques
• Athletic Banners
• Student activity and Athletic trophies
• Various artifacts
• The AHS sign from the class of 1974 (formerly on the front lawn)