FRIENDSHIP — Caroline E. Seamans died peacefully in her home in Friendship, Maine on the first day of Spring, March 21, 2024, in the company of friends and her cocker spaniels. Celebrated and honored in her time as a visionary and force in the world of education, she knew instinctively what was best for children.

Caroline was born on February 25, 1925, to Mary (Brown) Seamans and Chester Gladding Seamans in East Aurora, New York. A child of the Great Depression, she and her family lived in several New England cities. The Boston Alumnae Club of Bryn Mawr College awarded her a scholarship, and upon graduation in 1947 Caroline began her life as a teacher. Her first students were fourth and fifth graders in one room in Antrim, New Hampshire.

In 1949 Caroline went to teach sixth grade at The Potomac School in Washington, DC. Recognized for her innate leadership, she became Head of its middle school.

In 1967 the vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the historic part of Philadelphia asked Caroline to be Head of its school. There were 18 students when she arrived and 220 (3-year nursery - 8th grade) when she retired 23 years later. Therein lies the remarkable story of her renown in Philadelphia and in the annals of education. The school became independent of the church and began to draw children of all faiths and races from every part
of the city.

Word got out – Miss Seamans has a philosophy: “All children have gifts. Find and nurture them with high expectations, inspiration, and love.” That means a classical curriculum: the 3rs enriched by the Arts, with celebrations (five maypoles on a blacktop playground), and ceremonies (grand eighth grade graduations in St. Peter’s Church with the thrill of pipe organ, Westminster Brass, and the affectionate send-off by Miss Seamans.

Because of the school’s excellence, families returned to the city, many to restore the once beautiful Colonial and Federal houses in the school’s neighborhood, just a few blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. This rebirth was seen by many as the second “Miracle at Philadelphia”. In 1983 a new edifice joined the neighborhood – a spacious wing on the school – The Caroline E. Seamans Building. Not to be omitted from this story is the memory St. Peter’s family has of Miss Seamans everywhere in the school accompanied by her cocker spaniel, the first given her by the children with change from their piggy banks as a surprise birthday present, “a puppy of your choice”.

Upon retirement Caroline moved to the aptly named lobstering village of Friendship, Maine. A volunteer guide at the replica of revolutionary general Henry Knox’s mansion in Thomaston, she became President of The Friends of Montpellier. In that capacity, she led a group to Augusta in 1999 to secure ownership of the mansion from the State for The Friends.

Caroline’s happiest work in retirement was helping to establish another school. As a member of the Board of Trustees of Bay Chamber Concerts in Rockport, Maine, she joined Monica Kelly, who was shepherding a small group of brilliant young musicians, in her determination to merge with BCC. Caroline’s compelling promises of financial independence and success convinced the Board to vote yes for a school of music. Today 18 years later under Monica’s leadership as Executive Director of Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School, there are over 200 music makers of all ages. In its new home in Camden the beautiful concert hall’s addition is The Caroline E. Seamans Music School Wing. A tribute once again to one who saw so many children grow in grace.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School, PO Box 599, Rockport, ME 04856 or online at baychamberconcerts.org/donate/contribute1.

To share a memory or story with Caroline’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com