Oswego in Oswego County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Edward Austin Sheldon
1823-1897
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
1. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Americas pioneer in education method.
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Erected by the children of the public schools of the State of New York 1888
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Edward Austin Sheldon
A leader in education and an advocate of free public schools, Sheldon was responsible for the opening of Oswego Normal School in May 1861. A pioneer school on in object teaching, Sheldons ideas became a model for other normal schools throughout the nation and the world. ISculptor John Francis Brines designed the statue that was constructed with penny contributions throughout the state. This plaque and the restoration of this statue were made possible with donations from the State University of New York Oswego Class of 1985.
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For the children.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 43° 27.24′ N, 76° 32.159′ W. Marker is in Oswego, New York, in Oswego County. It can be reached from the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Gregory Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in front of Sheldon Hall located on loop off of Washington Boulevard.
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Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Central New York, and in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sheldon Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Shady Shore (approx. Ό mile away); Dr. Mary Walker (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort George (approx. 0.9 miles away); Open Water = Winter Birds (approx. one mile away); Oswego West Side Forts (approx. one mile away); Wreck of the David W. Mills (approx. one mile away); Oswego Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oswego.
More about this marker.
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
2. Side 2 Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Also see . . . Normal School (Wikipedia).
A normal school or normal college trains teachers in the norms of pedagogy and curriculum. Other names are teacher training colleges or teachers' colleges.(Submitted on July 25, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
3. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
4. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
5. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
6. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2025
7. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2025
8. Edward Austin Sheldon Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 24, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 25, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 8. submitted on August 20, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
