Historical Significance
MTC’s campus stands on part of the site formerly occupied by the Lyman School for Boys. The Lyman School was established in 1847 as the first state-operated reform school. A progressive approach was advanced by the Lyman School - the old congregate system was replaced with a system of open houses in a bucolic, agricultural setting. All state reform schools, including the Lyman School were closed in 1971.
MTC’s campus is centered on the top of scenic Powder Hill, which has additional historic importance as the site of Westborough’s first meetinghouse. The entire site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the handsome masonry cottages built by the Lyman School remain standing. The campus and its surroundings can still be traversed using a system of footpaths and narrow farm roads established by the Lyman School to link their facilities.
Buildings on campusMTC’s 36-acre campus contains 10 buildings. MTC currently utilizes three buildings, Kopin Corporation leases the integrated circuit fabrication facility, and the remaining eight buildings are vacant. MTC is currently exploring options for selective renovation, demolition, and preservation of the vacant buildings. The historic buildings from the Lyman School date back to the mid-nineteenth century.