Established and funded in 1848 by local brewer Enoch Turner, Toronto's first free school taught the three Rs to the children of Corktown, poor English and Irish immigrants, from 1849-1859. Architect Eric Arthur and local citizens saved and restored it as an historic site museum in 1972. It was designated a heritage building under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2000 for its history and architecture. The Ontario Heritage Trust now owns and operates it, running a school program. Through role playing students experience a Victorian school day with wooden desks, slates, and discipline while wearing Eton collars and pinafores. The Trust offers lectures, walking tours, and special events in partnership with the OHT. A heritage resource and a living history museum, the building is available for weddings and social events.