Although Art Center East’s home still shines today, it was originally constructed in 1927 to serve as the County Home School for children residing in the local orphanage. As the community grew, the building evolved, serving generations of students as Vernon Elementary and later the Vernon Kindergarten.

Following a period of decline at the turn of the century, a dedicated committee of residents spearheaded a revival. In 2010, a $1.7 million state grant funded a meticulous restoration of the historic structure. Two years of renovation honor the building’s stately Colonial Revival style while continuing to community residents and visitors from the entire region.