About Us
History
The Hooper Institute was started from the wills of George Levi Hooper and his wife Mary D.B. Hooper. Their goal was to foster and promote the teaching and learning of agriculture, forestry, botany, soils, conservation and environmental sciences in the Town of Walpole. They left their land and money in a trust to be used to create a school that would support the learning in these areas. The Institute to be founded using this money was to be named the Frederick H Hooper Institute after George’s brother. Mary put a note in her will after the passing of George that the building be named George Levi Hooper Hall after her late husband. The Institute was officially started in 1926 after Mary's passing. The building which is currently the home of the Hooper Institute was built in 1930 and was originally a vocational agriculture school that taught wood working, auto mechanics, metalwork and more. The Hooper School stayed open until Fall Mountain Regional High School was started in 1966. In 1975, the Hooper Institute staff started to journey down to the Walpole schools to teach programs throughout the school day and as after school clubs. This trend has continued to this day with classes taught during the school day for all students in grades Pre-K-7th grade. On top of school programs, the Hooper Institute also runs school gardens, camps, adult programs, community events and a community garden.
Mission
The Hooper Institute provides learning opportunities for the community to enjoy and protect the natural environment. Following the wishes of George and Mary Hooper we conduct educational programs in the fields of agriculture, forestry, botany, soils, and environmental science.
Vision
To continue the Hooper legacy by inspiring and educating the Walpole community to cultivate our bond with the land.
Values
The Hooper Institute was started from the wills of George Levi Hooper and his wife Mary D.B. Hooper. Their goal was to foster and promote the teaching and learning of agriculture, forestry, botany, soils, conservation and environmental sciences in the Town of Walpole. They left their land and money in a trust to be used to create a school that would support the learning in these areas. The Institute to be founded using this money was to be named the Frederick H Hooper Institute after George’s brother. Mary put a note in her will after the passing of George that the building be named George Levi Hooper Hall after her late husband. The Institute was officially started in 1926 after Mary's passing. The building which is currently the home of the Hooper Institute was built in 1930 and was originally a vocational agriculture school that taught wood working, auto mechanics, metalwork and more. The Hooper School stayed open until Fall Mountain Regional High School was started in 1966. In 1975, the Hooper Institute staff started to journey down to the Walpole schools to teach programs throughout the school day and as after school clubs. This trend has continued to this day with classes taught during the school day for all students in grades Pre-K-7th grade. On top of school programs, the Hooper Institute also runs school gardens, camps, adult programs, community events and a community garden.
Mission
The Hooper Institute provides learning opportunities for the community to enjoy and protect the natural environment. Following the wishes of George and Mary Hooper we conduct educational programs in the fields of agriculture, forestry, botany, soils, and environmental science.
Vision
To continue the Hooper legacy by inspiring and educating the Walpole community to cultivate our bond with the land.
Values
- Education - We provide opportunities for learners of all ages to participate in hands-on and experiential learning in our programs, classes, and events.
- Community - We cultivate a community that is involved, excited, and inspired to care for each other and the natural world.
- Sustainability - We practice and promote sustainable choices that protect our community and planet for future generations.
- Heritage - We honor the story and history of our place by informing and preserving its roots.
- Stewardship - We care for our natural world using education, exploration, and appreciation to guide us in being responsible stewards of the land.
