1698The first public school opened in the Meeting House.Government and Public Service, Education

Although Massachusetts law at the time required that any town with more than 50 households provide a public school, Gloucester had not complied. Families lived far apart, and it was difficult to find a convenient location for all students to attend. The town finally took action in 1698, with a vote to choose a schoolmaster. Thomas Riggs, Sr., who had been town clerk for 33 years, was selected and was to be paid 1 shilling 6 pence per day.