In 1903, plans for a state teaching training program in the Northern part of New Jersey received state approval and in 1904 a parcel of land in Montclair was designated as the site.

Under the guidance of Edward Russ, who chaired the Normal School Committee of the New Jersey State Board of Education, ground was broken in March of 1907. Following a visit to California, Russ persuaded the architect to adopt the Spanish Mission style, which still remains the unique signature style of Montclair State.

In September 1908, Governor John Franklin Fort attended the dedication of the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair. That original building is College Hall. With his own money Edward Russ bought a 200-year-old mission bell for the building's tower. It still rings today.

Following the pattern of normal schools in the country, Montclair offered a two-year program to train elementary school teachers. The faculty was comprised of eight men and women responsible for teaching the disciplines of gymnastics, manual arts, hygiene, nature study, vocal music, English, chemistry, physics, psychology, and the history of education.

» View full timeline