The brick building was constructed for the elementary school run by local Presbyterian pastor, Rev.

Finley quit Basking Ridge to briefly become president of the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. By 1828, the "Brick Academy" corporation was formed and the building continued use as a private, then public school in 1853, before being used for other purposes.

The nickname "Brick Academy" is often misused to include students who actually attended the "Basking Ridge Classical School" (prior to 1828).

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 21, 1976 for its significance in education, philosophy, and religion.

1904 The Brick Academy is sold to the Ancient Order of United Workmen (1904-1925) Junior Order of United American Mechanics 1924 Bernards Township, New Jersey rents building for municipal offices 1948 Bernards Township buys building for continued use for municipal offices 1975 Bernards Township government moves to former Astor estate at 1 Collyer Lane 1976 Township leases Brick Academy to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills 1976 Brick Academy listed on National Register of Historic Places 2008 Dedication and opening of the top floor of the Brick Academy restoration effort.