June 5, 2026, 3:40 p.m. ET
Olivet Academy Amenia’s Middle and High School welcomed guest speakers from the Amenia Historical Society on June 4 for a special presentation exploring the history of Amenia through a Christian perspective.
Mrs. Betsy Strauss and Dr. Julian Strauss, longtime Amenia residents and Christians who live on a farm adjacent to the school, guided students through the town’s history from its colonial beginnings to the Revolutionary War era. They explained how Amenia was settled by diverse groups seeking opportunity and religious freedom, and how Christian faith played an important role in shaping the community.
Students learned about the work of Moravian missionaries who came to the region in the 1740s to share the Gospel with Native American communities. The presenters described the missionaries’ dedication, the hardships they endured, and the lasting impact of their ministry. They also discussed the Great Awakening and the influence of Christian leaders such as Rev. Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield on the region.
The presentation highlighted Amenia’s strong Patriot spirit during the Revolutionary period and introduced local historical figures who contributed to the area’s development. Students reflected on how learning about these events helped them better appreciate the significance of the community in which their school is located.
The speakers also shared the history of the school’s property, tracing its transformation from farmland to the Viewpoint School, the Barlow School, the Kildonan School, and ultimately Olivet Academy. Dr. Strauss enriched the presentation with personal stories from his childhood as a student at Viewpoint School.
Following the presentation, students engaged in a question-and-answer session and reflected on what they had learned. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discover the rich history of Amenia and the role that faith, perseverance, and community have played in shaping the town.
Olivet Academy was grateful to receive the encouragement, prayers, and blessings of the guest speakers. The school hopes that, like those who contributed to Amenia’s history, it can continue making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom of God in the years to come.
