One-room schoolhouses, overcrowded classrooms, forward-thinking educational models, and a hunt for old school records - this episode offers additional historical context and stories connected to the Scarsdale Schools and our documentary, From the First Schoolhouse: A Scarsdale Story.
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Scarsdale’s Revolutionary Transition: From Colonial Manor to American Town
Scarsdale Village Historian and Scarsdale Historical Society Vice President, Jordan Copeland examines Scarsdale’s transformation from a colonial manor to an American town in the aftermath of the Revolution. It explains what it meant to live under the manor system, how Scarsdale was governed before independence, and what changed when that structure gave way to town government. Drawing on surviving records from the 1700s, the talk explores what we know about daily life in Scarsdale, including what mattered most to its residents, how authority was exercised, and how early residents contributed to the creation of a community.
This program was presented live at the Scarsdale Library on March 16, 2026.
Presentation: A History of Jewish People in Scarsdale
Monday, April 6 | 6:45 PM
A History of Jewish People in Scarsdale traces the community's Jewish history from a marginal presence with limited civic participation to full integration within Scarsdale's social and civic life. Drawing on original research and incorporating broader historical context, Village Historian and Scarsdale Historical Society Vice President Jordan Copeland examines why Scarsdale attracted a significant Jewish population, how Scarsdale's Jewish settlement differed from neighboring communities, and the obstacles Jewish residents faced along the way, offering a nuanced account of both progress and challenge.
There will be two ways to attend:
In Person: Scott Room, Scarsdale Public Library
Live Virtual: Zoom link will be emailed before the event
This presentation is co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Public Library.
The Full Interview Conducted by Film Director Lesley Topping for Our Film, From the First Schoolhouse: A Scarsdale Story
Tony Arenella is one of the original founding teachers of the Scarsdale Alternative School (A- School, or SAS), a unique community-based alternative school within Scarsdale High School. In this extended interview, Tony discusses the groundbreaking ideas that shaped the school in the seventies and continue to contribute to its success today.
Tony on the steps of the Scarsdale A-School, 1977 Scarsdale High School Yearbook
Founded in 1972, the A-School is known for its progressive, student-centered approach to education. With small classes and an emphasis on collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking, the school fosters curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of community.
Tony Arenella was one of the founders of the Scarsdale Alternative School. He received a bachelor’s from Columbia College and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, and started at Scarsdale Schools teaching English in 1969. In 1985, he succeeded Judy Codding as the director of the A-School, serving in that role until he retired in 2003.
Beginning with only sixty-two students, three full-time teachers, and several part-time teachers, the early team developed the groundbreaking philosophies and structures that still shape the A-School today. Tony’s dedication kept the school grounded in Lawrence Kohlberg’s principles of the “Just Community,” and also helped sustain the school during challenging financial times.
Extended bonus content with Tony from: From the First Schoolhouse: A Scarsdale Story, a documentary on the history of the Scarsdale schools.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of ScarsTales, uncovering the untold, unexpected, and occasionally scandalous stories behind Scarsdale’s past—bringing new dimension to familiar places and moments.
We hope you’ll subscribe, rate, and review to help these stories reach more listeners.
In the premiere episode of ScarsTales, host Lori Rothman is joined by fellow Scarsdale Historical Society trustees and village historians Jordan Copeland and Leslie Chang to introduce the podcast and share two of their favorite local history discoveries.
We are proud to have been named this year's Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Committee's Spotlight Award winner. This award is a result of the hard work of our Board members and your continuing support. The Spotlight Award recognizes meaningful contributions in a specific area or a problem solved after focused effort.
Bowl committee delivers the news: Rear L to R: Penny Bauersfeld, May Cowan, Warren Haber, Deidre Michael, Tim Foley, Shivi Bansal, Jordan Copeland Front L to R: Randy Guggenheimer, Lori Rothman Kaplan, Dana Matsushita, Deborah Skolnik, Christine Weston, Seema Jaggi, Leslie Chang
The Co-Chair of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee, Pam Fuehrer said:
"At a time when the importance of connections and community cannot be overstated, the Scarsdale Historical Society has brought our shared past to light, creating cohesion and pride in our remarkable village. Their work allows us, as neighbors, to explore Scarsdale's rich history and local stories through a multi-faceted and innovative journey. This dedicated all-volunteer organization continues to provide and ensure a sense of place. It is a truly deserving recipient of the Spotlight Award.”
We invite everyone in Scarsdale to help celebrate the Foundation’s honorees at the Bowl Dinner on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. The Scarsdale Foundation promotes and celebrates volunteerism and also administers grants and scholarships, provides need-based college scholarships for sophomores, juniors and seniors and recognizes extraordinary volunteers who work toward the betterment of the community. Watch for details at: https://www.scarsdalefoundation.org.
Dedicated to discovering, preserving and disseminating the rich history of Scarsdale and our neighboring communities.
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