The church sustained many of America's early schools, and ministers were often the teachers. The Reverend McNight Williamson, pastor of the Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church (located 150 yards from the Academy), in 1836 conceived the idea of an academy to prepare young men for the ministry and to train teachers for the public schools of the area. He began by holding classes in his home.

John Patterson, a local merchant, donated $2,000 and land, the Pennsylvania General Assembly appropriated $2,000, and local residents contributed. Buildings were erected and Tuscarora Academy opened in October, 1839, with Professor David as principal.

Although America lacked a comprehensive educational system from the elementary level to college, there were numerous elementary schools. Schools at a higher level were much fewer. Secondary education, just as college, was based to a large extent on Greek and Latin classics, and generally offered a traditional course of study. The appeal these schools had for young Americans was limited.

Educational reformers, including Thomas Jefferson, who founded the University of Virginia, urged a more varied curriculum which would allow greater choice in study and be more useful in the development of a new nation. This wide spread demand was answered by the establishment of academies, which brought educational opportunities to a larger number of youths.

By 1854, Tuscarora Academy was doing more than preparing young men as teachers or for a ministerial education. They could make other choices: "Students who design entering College will be prepared for any stage of advancement desired," declared its Catalouge. "Such as wish to become teachers will receive careful instruction, in the higher English branches, and in such Latin and Greek authors as they may desire. Students who propose entering on active business life will be instructed in Book Keeping by Single and Double Entry, Surveying, and other mixed Mathematics as their intended pursuits require, in addition to the ordinary studies of a substantial English education." The Academy's instruction in the Constitution of the United States; ancient, modern, and American history; and geography reflected the educational reforms of previous decades.

In 1849, Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian church erected its fifth church, which can be seen a short distance from the stone church of 1816. The old church, which had also been used for classes and for chapel , was then enlarged , a second floor being created with twelve dormitory rooms. Classes and chapel exercises were continued in the first floor auditorium. This is the Academy building of today. By 1854, a four-story brick dormitory, boarding hall, and teachers' residence was completed, of which nothing remains today (it was destroyed by fire).

The 1854 Catalouge of the Academy shows that tuition was $110 per annum; fuel and light were extra, as were books, stationary, and other necessities. Each student was asked to provide towels and a fork and spoon, all marked for identification. The Academy then had 150 students from several states, some of whom attended both winter (November through March) and summer (May through September) sessions.

Eventually, female students were admitted, and through varying stages of success, Tuscarora Academy continued until 1912, when it was converted to a public high school. With the erection of schools at Port Royal and Mifflintown, the old building was abandoned in 1916. The Lower Presbyterian Church then  used the building for various social functions. In 1962, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired the property by gift. The building was restored to reflect its original design, and the first floor was converted into a museum reflecting artifacts of history from the local community. The museum is administrated by THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION.

This short dissertation is taken from a brochure printed by The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.