This institute was established in 1847 as the first state-operated reform school. A progressive
approach was advanced by this “school” - the old congregate system was replaced with a
system of open houses in a bucolic, agricultural setting.

Commonwealth comprised about one thousand acres of which about five hundred were prime
farmland, maintained by its students.  All of the maintenance, construction, and repair of the
facilities were performed by its students. They were supervised by trade masters. The farm
remained a principal means of support for the school until about 1955 when the economy of
the region became predominantly industrial rather than agricultural. All state reform schools,
including commonwealth were closed in 1971 

Currently the campus is being used by a state agency working toward the development for
renewable energy. Of the ten buildings, three are active.  Options for selective renovation,
demolition, and preservation of the vacant buildings are being explored.