Geneva Hall, Federal 1821

            The plaque on the front of the building tells the story of this building. Erected by the citizens of Geneva to make Geneva Academy, a college: the site was chosen by Bishop Hobart. Here in 1824 was first introduced in an English speaking college a course without classics to prepare youth ‘for the practical business of life.’ The earliest college building in western New York, it has a notable place in the beginning of modern higher education.